Comparative Study of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Acute and Chronic Depression.
- Author:
Seung Youn LEE
1
;
Jae Won CHUNG
;
Shinn Won LIM
;
Su Yeon KIM
;
Doh Kwan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. paulkim@smc.samsung.com
- Publication Type:Comparative Study ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Depression;
Chronicity;
BDNF
- MeSH:
Biomarkers;
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor;
Depression;
Depressive Disorder, Major;
Humans
- From:Korean Journal of Psychopharmacology
2009;20(5):254-261
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
