Changes in serum BDNF levels after treatment of panic disorder patients

Abstract

Aim: Panic disorder is a significant psychiatric disorder that more frequently occurs in women, with daily attacks such as fear ofdeath, limiting the patient’s daily life. It is often associated with agoraphobia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationshipbetween BDNF levels and the clinical features of panic disorder.Material and Methods: The study was carried out between January 2015 and July 2015 with 42 female patients and 38 healthy femaleswho were admitted to Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic. The patients who were diagnosed with panic disorder without agoraphobiaincluded in the study. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) was applied to the patients. Serum BDNF was measured by sandwichELISA.Results: The mean age of the 38 female patients was 35.1 ± 11.5 years. The mean age of the control group of 38 healthy womenwas 34.9 ± 9.82 years. Serum BDNF levels measured before treatment were significantly lower than BDNF levels measured aftertreatment (p< 0.001). Serum BDNF levels measured before treatment were significantly lower than BDNF levels of the control group(p