The association between serum BDNF levels with post-stroke depression and anxiety: A cohort study

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to play an important role in psychological function. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum BDNF and development of post-stroke depression and anxiety. Serum concentration of BDNF was measured in stroke patients on admission to inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Depression and anxiety mood was diagnosed using (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition [DSM-IV] criteria). The functional outcome was measured using Functional Independent measures (FIM). Post-stroke depression was diagnosed in 61 (37.7%) patients and anxiety was diagnosed in 40 (24.7%) patients. Except for marital status ( P = 0.030) and BDNF levels ( P = 0.033), none of the predictor variables showed statistically significant differences among the three groups. Low level of BDNF was significantly associated with post-stroke depression ( P = 0.009, OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.98), but not with PSA ( P = 0.469, OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.93–1.04). In addition, BDNF level was associated FIM motor scores at discharge in this cohort patients ( P = 0.027,OR: 0.036–0.602, B: 0.319). Low BDNF levels were found to be important risk factors for PSD but not for PSA.