Types of depression: Why it’s important to distinguish [Video]

For some people with depression, finding the right medication can be a process of trial and error lasting for months or even years, which can worsen symptoms.

But what if doctors, when diagnosing someone with depression, could assess exactly how depression is affecting a patient’s brain and prescribe a treatment that gets it right the first time?

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Scientists may be a step closer to that reality, thanks to new research that has identified six subtypes — or “biotypes” — of major depression via brain imaging combined with machine learning. The study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, also tested how three of those biotypes responded to different antidepressants and therapies.

“There are currently no tests available to help pinpoint what type of depression (people) have, or, I think especially importantly, what treatment might be most suitable for …