BDNF Levels in Depression: Meta-Analysis Shows Significant Treatment Response
Do BDNF levels predict depression treatment response?
BDNF levels can predict depression treatment response and track recovery progress. Meta-analysis of 20 studies (1,504 subjects) found BDNF increases significantly after successful treatment.
BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a growth factor that supports brain cell survival and neuroplasticity - higher levels indicate better brain health and treatment response.
What the data show:
- Effect size: BDNF increases by 0.62 after antidepressant treatment
- Correlation with symptoms: changes in BDNF directly correlate with depression score improvements (p=0.02)
- Biomarker value: higher BDNF levels indicate better treatment response
- Therapeutic target: supports neuroplasticity theory of depression
- Clinical utility: can monitor treatment progress objectively
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that BDNF levels increase significantly after successful antidepressant treatment, validating BDNF as both a biomarker for monitoring progress and a potential therapeutic target.