Aging of monocytes allows for the detection of hidden cognitive symptoms of depression

Traditionally, the diagnosis of depression is based on the patient’s own complaints, which often leads to errors. Scientists have used epigenetic clock technology, which analyzes chemical modifications in DNA and determines the actual biological age of cells. It has been found that accelerated aging of monocytes is directly correlated with symptoms such as anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure), feelings of hopelessness, and a sense of failure.

Interestingly, the test was not sensitive to somatic (physical) complaints. This is critically important for medicine: in people with chronic diseases, such as HIV infection, physical weakness is often attributed to the underlying condition. The new method allows us to separate the physiological effects of infection from true depressive disorders that affect cognitive function and mood.

The study involved 440 women. Participants with accelerated monocyte aging showed higher scores on the depression scale specifically in terms of their emotional state. At the same time, the general epigenetic clock, which measures the aging of the entire body, did not show any connection to mental health. This confirms that monocytes can be a highly specialized marker for the diagnosis of affective disorders.

The development of such a biomarker brings clinical psychiatry closer to the standards of precision medicine. This testing will allow doctors not only to diagnose depression at an early stage, but also to select specific medications based on the patient’s biological profile. The scientists plan to continue their research in order to introduce this blood test into standard practice, combining the patient’s subjective experience with accurate laboratory data.