Abstract
For more than 20 years, researchers have attempted to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers fo psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, major (unipolar) depression, and bipolar disorder. Advocates of this research contend that identifying such biomarkers will aid in the diagnosis of these disorders, as well as the possible development of effective psychiatric medications to treat them. Currently, there are no diagnostic tests available. This is largely due to the multi-factorial nature of psychiatric disorders. Biomarker testing of individuals is also prohibitively expensive because significant expertise is required to conduct tests and follow-up counseling for the patient i often necessary. It is cautioned that widespread biomarker testing could lead to negative consequences such a discrimination in health insurance and employment, as well as selective abortion.