The idea that because it is a blood test it is more accurate does not make as much sense as the person who said it thinks it does. To the extent that people feel shame and confusion about their symptoms sometimes people and particularly teens, will underreport their symptoms of depression and anxiety or outright lie about them. In that sense a blood test can be more accurate. However if people are interviewed in the appropriate context, and are not scared of being labeled or treated, then getting information about what are the specific problems that they are experiencing and what they think is causing them, can sometimes be a lot more helpful than simply labeling them as depressed. In the medical model there is too much focus on diagnosis and then treatment, whereas when you actually talk to people rather than just look at their blood, you can begin to help them immediately, not just by simply diagnosing them correctly but by beginning to cut down on the isolation and sense of hopelesness they feel, and aid and intervene in any immediate crisis.
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Peter Cousins, Ph.D. of TX 1:41PM April 18, 2012