Serum BDNF Levels in Suicide Attempters Related to Psychosocial Stressors: a Comparative Study With Depression

This study investigated whether there was a difference in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels among 10 Turkish suicide atempters without a major psychiatric disorder compared to 24 major depressive disorder patients & 26 healthy subjects. Mean serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were significantly lower in the suicide group & major depressive disorder group than the control group. Brain-derived neurotropic factors may play an important role in the neurobiology of suicidal behaviour. Further studies are needed. (35 refs.)