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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and personality traits in patients with major depression

Authors: Hiroshi Nomoto, Hajime Baba, Emi Satomura, Hitoshi Maeshima, Naoko Takebayashi, Yuki Namekawa, Toshihito Suzuki, Heii Arai

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors. Previous studies have demonstrated lower serum BDNF levels in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and reported an association between BDNF levels and depression-related personality traits in healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to explore for a possible association between peripheral BDNF levels and personality traits in patients with MDD.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 123 inpatients with MDD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 4th edition) at the Juntendo University Koshigaya Hospital were recruited. Serum levels of BDNF were measured. Personality traits were assessed using the 125-item short version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI).

Results

Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, dose of antidepressant, and depression severity showed that TCI Self-Directedness (SD) scores were negatively associated with serum BDNF levels (β = −0.23, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

MDD patients who have low SD did not show the reduction in serum BDNF levels that is normally associated with depressive state. Our findings suggest that depression-related biological changes may not occur in these individuals.

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Title: Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and personality traits in patients with major depression
Authors: Hiroshi Nomoto
Hajime Baba
Emi Satomura
Hitoshi Maeshima
Naoko Takebayashi
Yuki Namekawa
Toshihito Suzuki
Heii Arai
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-015-0413-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and personality traits in patients with major depression

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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