INTEGRATION OF MULTIMODAL BIOMARKERS TO AID THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Abstract

The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear, with no reliable biomarkers to aid diagnosis or treatment. It is crucial to develop clinically helpful biological markers that are accurate, accessible, non-invasive, and affordable. The investigation and integration of markers from diverse modalities may provide a holistic understanding of the MDD aetiologies and improve diagnostic accuracy. Variations in micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression and amino acid levels have been recorded in the literature, albeit with contradictory findings and no local research available. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has indicated a reduced haemodynamic response in the frontal cortex of depressed patients; however, diagnostic accuracy is limited. This dissertation investigated: (i) the diagnostic accuracy of miRNAs, amino acids and fNIRS in MDD and their association with depression severity and (ii) how a cost-effective integrated diagnostic approach can enhance MDD diagnosis.