Blood Test Shows Potential to Detect Depression Through Immune Cell Aging

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:35:00 +0200

A recent study from New York University suggests that depression could one day be detected with a simple blood test measuring the aging of certain immune cells, particularly monocytes. Researchers studied 440 women, including those living with and without HIV, using blood samples and epigenetic clocks to track cellular aging. The study found that accelerated aging in monocytes is closely linked to emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression—such as hopelessness, loss of pleasure, and difficulty concentrating—rather than physical symptoms like fatigue. This discovery could provide a biological marker for depression, which is currently diagnosed solely through self-reported symptoms. The findings may be especially significant for high-risk groups, such as women with HIV, for whom early detection of depression can improve overall health and treatment adherence. Although more research is needed before clinical application, these results move mental health care toward more personalized,