Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Psychopathology in Attempted Suicide.
OBJECTIVE
Increasing evidence suggests a link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and suicidal behaviour (SB). Furthermore, decreased peripheral BDNF levels have been associated with clinical symptoms in various psychiatric disorders as well as with personality dimensions in healthy individuals. However, the relationship between BDNF and psychopathology is poorly investigated regarding SB.


METHODS
Plasma BDNF concentrations were analysed in 61 recent suicide attempters. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. Personality dimensions were assessed using the Marke-Nyman Temperament Scale.


RESULTS
Plasma BDNF correlated positively and significantly with the personality dimension Solidity but not with the other personality dimensions or with clinical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
BDNF plays an important role in the regulation of neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in humans. Our results indicate that lower BDNF concentrations are associated with higher levels of impulsiveness and changeability (low scores on the Solidity scale). Furthermore, low plasma BDNF levels may be proposed as a trait marker rather than a state marker for attempted suicide.
Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Livia
L
Ambrus
Charlotta
C
Sunnqvist
Rolf
R
Ekman
Lil
L
Träskman-Bendz
Åsa
Å
Westrin
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology; D010551:Personality; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology; D013694:Temperament; D055815:Young Adult
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C579455:BDNF protein, human