Blood testing for Mental Health
Blood testing for Mental Well-being
Did you know there is no physical test to diagnose specific mental health issues?
Some biological markers have been associated with poorer mental well-being (low vitamin D, low B12, high CRP, high HbA1c, low or high iron for example)
Having a physical illness causes us to want to withdraw, not be social and have low energy. This may be going on with you - without realising that it is contributing to your mood.
We may not know for example that our vitamin D levels are low, our folate is low, or that we have increased overall inflammation.
We may, however, feel lethargic, anxious or otherwise unwell.
Looking for the root cause of low mood, irritability or anxiety
My first piece of advice when looking for a root cause of a mood or anxiety state is to rule out any physical contributing factor to the way you feel.
Book an appointment with your GP - ask for blood tests and a full physical assessment and ask them to explain and discuss anything that is out of range or near out of range.
'Within the normal range' may not be right for you!
What blood tests to get for mental health
Poorer mental health is associated with low or borderline levels of:
Iron & ferritin (important for immune and red blood cell production)
Vitamin B12 (needed for red blood cell production)
Folate (essential for neurotransmitter production)
Zinc (an essential mineral for many important health functions)
Vitamin D (low in patients admitted with psychiatric issues)
Selenium (important for thyroid function)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone indicative of thyroid function)
Cortisol (‘stress’ hormone - but needed in good amounts for energy)
And high or borderline high levels of:
Ferritin (Any illness can elevate ferritin levels).
GGT (and other liver function tests)
CRP (a general marker of inflammation)
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone, high levels suggest hypothyroidism)
Triglycerides
Cortisol (the ‘stress’ hormone)
For more information on how to approach your mental health in a step-by-step way - take a look at the Changing Lives online course
For more information on blood test and specific levels - see here: Blood tests for mental health (2)
Helen is a registered nurse, specialising in mental health from a holistic perspective. She is passionate about supporting people to have optimal mental health and well-being.
Based in New Zealand, Helen is available for speaking, education sessions and one-on-one appointments.