Proteomics hair analysis reveals self-injurious behavior
A study by the University of Innsbruck in cooperation with the Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim has shown that self-injurious behaviour can be detected by biochemical analysis of hair samples. Under the direction of Alexander Karabatsiakis, a protein fingerprint with 84 percent accuracy was identified that makes non-suicidal self-harm visible, especially in children and adolescents under psychological stress.
Hair samples offer the advantage of being easy to collect, transport and store, providing insight into the biochemical stress history. The study used mass spectrometric proteomics analysis for the first time, developed in collaboration with the Medical University of Innsbruck, thus creating an innovative interface between behavioral medicine, psychology and molecular biology.
Karabatsiakis sees potential in this for prevention and risk assessment in the case of mental stress. In the future, the method could be of interest in various areas of application in order to react to mental health problems at an early stage.
“This study is the first of its kind. With the hair samples, we can look biochemically into the body’s stress past for the first time – and use this approach for prevention and risk assessment in the event of psychological stress,” says the Innsbruck head of the study, Alexander Karabatsiakis from the Department of Clinical Psychology II.
Original Paper:
Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR
Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.
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