Korean J Psychopharmacol.  2009 Sep;20(5):254-261.

Comparative Study of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Acute and Chronic Depression

• Lee SY
• Chung JW
• Lim SW
• Kim SY
• Kim DK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in acute depression with that in chronic depression. METHODS: Eighty subjects who met criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) were recruited. Patients experiencing at least their fourth episode or an episode of at least 24 months in duration were defined as chronically depressed (n=21). Other patients were classified as acutely depressed (n=59). Antidepressant medications were administered for 6 weeks. Serum BDNF and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D) scores were measure before and after the administration of medication. RESULTS: We found significant differences in serum BDNF between the two groups. Serum BDNF was significantly higher among those with chronic depression than among those with acute depression both at baseline and after medication. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that serum BDNF might constitute a potential biological marker for chronic depression.

Keyword

Depression; Chronicity; BDNF

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major
Humans
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor