Blood Tests for Anxiety

Hello All,

Has anyone had a doctor that has ordered a blood test related to anxiety? Do you remember what specific tests they ordered and why?

For example, I've read about the correlation of low Vitamin B12 and symptoms of anxiety. But, what specific tests should I request from my doc?

--Thanks and Happy Holidays!

The nearest thing I am aware of is a serum cortisol test. That does not test for anxiety, of course, but tests for the steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is associated with the "fight or flight" response. The problem with this test -- and the reason I have never gotten it -- is what do you do with the information? I mean, you know whether you are suffering from anxiety, and you probably know what the most common available treatments are, so what would you do with the information about your serum cortisol levels. Also, these levels can vary from test to test, and even throughout a single day. (Cortisol levels tend, typically, to be highest in the morning). So absent a suspected adrenal problem, I am not sure it is worthwhile.

But I am not a medical professional, and I am not qualified to give anyone medical advice.

Thanks for the replies. I have a friend whose p-doc requested blood work at the onset of his treatment to rule out any obvious deficiencies that could possibly be exacerbating the issue. He thinks she was mostly looking for Vitamin deficiencies, specifically vitamins that have been know to affect mood. I thought just for grins I'd see what my vitamin levels are just to rule out anything obvious. I'm by no means expecting a "cure" (so to speak), but if taking a vitamin supplement would potentially provide a 5% relief of symptoms, I'd take it! LOL.

After I posted, I found this interesting article here about blood tests for anxiety — (Spot on Scaredy Cat!): https://kellybroganmd.com/five-lab-tests-your-doctor-isnt-ordering/

--Happy Holidays