Australian researchers are looking for new ways to properly identify and treat depression.

The research will look at the different ways GPs and other mental health professionals can diagnose and treat depression just as they do for other medical illnesses.

“The diagnosis of major depressive disorder can happen in nearly 1500 different forms, which probably explains why general treatments such as anti-depressants only work in about 50 per cent of cases,” University of New England’s Professor Christopher Sharpley says.

Prof Sharpley is looking to develop methods that are aimed at greater personalised treatment in regards to depression.

“We are trying to diagnose depression in more detail than just the total score from a simple set of questions or interview, to look at aspects of the depression itself, such as the particular pattern of symptoms a person presents, the ways their brain responds to stress, their own immune system and their genetic profile, as well as aspects including financial situation, exercise habits and family relationships.”

Prof Sharpley says there is a broad range of elements making up the exact sort of depression that patients have. All of these variables should be considered in the same way a doctor would consider possibilities if a patient has a stomach pain.

It is the first time a team of researchers including a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist, immunologist, cell biologist, geneticist and medical practitioner has combined to examine the whole depressive profile that people present with.

The project (called “PROFILE-D”) is focused on personalised medicine and applying the results of detailed assessments of individuals to produce an individualised treatment package.

“With more precise diagnostic processes, health care professionals will be better equipped to provide the kind of personalised treatments required”, Professor Sharpley said.