(RxWiki News) Levels of a particular protein in the blood of people with depression may predict how well antidepressants will work.
That's according to a new study that looked at C-reactive protein (CRP), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressant drugs called SSRIs) and depression outcomes in more than 900 patients.
Past research has found a link between levels of CRP and SSRI treatment outcomes. But these studies were generally small or otherwise limited.
The current study found that higher levels of CRP in the blood were tied to lower effectiveness of SSRIs in treating depression.
CRP is a blood marker of inflammation. SSRIs are common antidepressants. While the study didn't examine the exact reason for the link between higher CRP levels and lower SSRI effectiveness, the researcher theorized that higher inflammation marked by CRP could affect neurons involved in the regulation of mood-altering chemicals.
The study authors also found that a different type of drug — called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) — was more effective than SSRIs in patients who had high levels of CRP.
The findings of this research suggest that CRP levels could be used to predict the effectiveness of SSRIs in patients who have depression.
This study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
The study authors disclosed no outside funding sources or potential conflicts of interest.
If you are feeling signs of depression, seek immediate treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor will walk you through your various treatment options to find the best on for you.
