Abstract
BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a biomarker of schizophrenia and, more specifically, as a biomarker of cognitive recovery. Unfortunately, it has only been tested once with cognitive remediation treatment (CRT).MethodsA randomized and controlled trial (NCT02341131) with 70 schizophrenia outpatients and 15 healthy volunteers was conducted. The participants with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to either CRT or the control group. All the participants were assessed in terms of cognition, quality of life, and their serum BDNF levels at both baseline and after the intervention. Additionally, comparisons of the effects of the different genotypes of the Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF gene on the outcome variables were also performed.ResultsThe patients in the CRT group presented with improvements in cognition. However, no significant changes were detected in the serum levels of BDNF. Interestingly, we found a significant positive interaction effect between the serum BDNF levels and the different BDNF genotypes. The Val/Val group showed significantly higher serum levels after the CRT treatment.DiscussionThe replication of the previous finding of increased serum BDNF levels after cognitive remediation in clinically stable individuals with schizophrenia was not achieved. However, our data indicated that genetic variability may be mediating serum BDNF activity in the context of CRT. All in all, the current consideration of BDNF as a biomarker of cognitive recovery in schizophrenia is promising but still premature.
Highlights
Present pharmacological treatment approaches in schizophrenia rest on “neuroleptic” drugs, all of which act as antagonists at dopamine D2/D3 receptors but display major variability in their binding capacity to neurotransmitter receptors (Van Os & Kapur 2009)
The choice of any particular drug does not rest on any principled criteria: Once individual treatment has been started, therapeutic efficacy is monitored clinically, and a switch to a different drug is initiated when clear improvements remain absent after a few weeks
The focus is on EEG/fMRI paradigms and computational models with empirically demonstrated sensitivity for altered function of NMDA, dopamine and muscarinic receptors, respectively
Summary
Schizophrenia in children and adolescents are diagnosed using the same criteria as for adults, but the assessment may be more complex due to both developmental issues, premorbid difficulties and a less elaborated symptomatic presentation. Methods: We aimed to assess 1) the concordance and validity of schizophrenia register diagnoses among children and adolescents (early onset schizophrenia=EOS) in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register (DPCRR), and 2) the validity of clinical record schizophrenia diagnoses. Psychiatric records from 200 patients with a first-time diagnosis of schizophrenia (F20.x)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
