NIMH study of blood samples. What is the purpose of this research?

NIMH study of blood samples. What is the purpose of this research?NIMH is the national institutes on mental health. They are taking blood samples from volunteers who have mental illness or have a family member that has a mental illness. I am wondering what type of research they are doing and what the purpose of taking the blood samples is.

Answer by birdgirl123
From their web page, apparently the NIMH is conducting a study on genetic predispositions to various types of mental illnesses and using the results of their genetic studies to help prove the need for further research and development of ways to treat the illnesses and/or find cures. They do this by studying the blood samples of people who are afflicted with the mental illnesses to determine if there are any factors that are in common that may provide an answer as to why the illness occurs. Scientists often do this with physical diseases, and since the study of genetics is developing more and more in this day and age, it makes sense that science would take the leap and start studying mental/brain disorders as well. The NIMH has a hotline where you can ask further questions, the link is below.

Add your own answer in the comments! Access information and advice on a wide range of mental health issues including conditions and disorders including stress and depression, therapy

---

Orignal From: NIMH study of blood samples. What is the purpose of this research?