Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor increases during recovery from psychological stress

Objective: To study the levels of plasma BDNF during recovering from psychological stress. Methods: Blood samples from thirty eight participants in a stress treatment project were analyzed for BDNF in plasma before and after 3 months treatment. Symptom levels were assessed by SCL92, work ability index and a question on stress. Physiological and behavioral measures were collected, all at baseline and after treatment. Results: BDNF increased significantly during the follow up, but the levels of BDNF were not correlated to blood pressure, se-cholesterol, HbA1C, se-fibrinogen or salivary cortisol even if the two latter decreased significantly. BDNF increase was inversely associated with improvement in depression symptoms contrary to the expected. Conclusion: Plasma BDNF increased during treatment for psychological stress, but was not associated with physiological stressmarkers or improvement of stress symptoms.