Evaluation of BDNF as a Biomarker for Impulsivity in a Psychiatric Population.

Stanislav Pasyk,Flavio Kapczinski,Zainab Samaan,Nitika Sanger

doi:10.3390/diagnostics10060419

Stanislav Pasyk, Flavio Kapczinski + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics10060419

Copy DOI

Abstract

Impulsivity is an important risk factor for suicide and therefore, identifying biomarkers associated with impulsivity could be important in evaluating psychiatric patients. Currently, assessment of impulsivity is based solely on clinical evaluation. In this study, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a nerve growth factor, was evaluated as a potential biomarker for impulsivity. We hypothesize that elevated BDNF may result in aberrantly high neurobiological activation, promoting impulsive behaviours. A total of 343 participants were recruited for the study and were divided into two groups, (i) elevated suicide risk (participants admitted to hospital with a recent suicide attempt), and (ii) average suicide risk (non-psychiatric participants and psychiatric participants without a history of suicide attempts). Impulsivity was measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, and serum BDNF levels were obtained. A regression analysis was performed to identify associations between BDNF and impulsivity. We identified a subtle but significant positive association between BDNF and impulsivity in the average risk for suicide group (B = 0.189, p = 0.014). The same association was not reproduced in the elevated risk group B = −0.086, p = 0.361). These findings lay the foundation to further explore the utility of BDNF as a biomarker for impulsivity to allow for early intervention.

Highlights

Impulsivity is a behavioural attribute defined by the tendency of an individual to act with little forethought or consideration of consequences
Impulsivity is an important behavioural facet for mental health as it plays a fundamental role in several different psychopathologies including but not limited to: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorder, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder [1,2,3]
body mass index (BMI) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were not significantly associated with Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) score

Summary

Introduction

Impulsivity is a behavioural attribute defined by the tendency of an individual to act with little forethought or consideration of consequences. Impulsivity is an important behavioural facet for mental health as it plays a fundamental role in several different psychopathologies including but not limited to: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorder, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder [1,2,3]. Impulsiveness leads to a higher likelihood of executing behaviours that individuals may later regret, including excess spending, gambling, risky sexual behaviours and dangerous driving. The sequelae of such behaviours can contribute to major life stressors, predisposing an individual to painful consequences and premature loss of life. It would be useful to develop objective means to identify individuals with

Objectives

Methods

Results