The Effects of Treatment in Psychotic Disorders—Changes in BDNF Levels and Clinical Outcomes: Systematic Review

Abstract

Psychotic disorders are associated with significant impairment in functioning, and their treatment remains a great therapeutic challenge. Patients are at a higher risk of suicide and premature mortality. Biomarkers, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), play a vital role in neurotransmission and neurodevelopment. Decreased levels of BDNF alter neuronal signaling and cause the appearance of symptoms such as the impairment of working memory. A literature search was performed using the PubMed data base. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 original articles were selected. We collected available data showcasing the influence of antipsychotic and non-pharmacological treatments, in patients suffering from psychotic disorders, on clinical conditions and BDNF levels in serum or plasma. In this review, we outline emerging data regarding the influence of different antipsychotic drugs and non-pharmacological treatment methods on BDNF and discuss their role as predictors of treatment outcome. Most studies conducted with antipsychotics saw an increase in BDNF levels; however, no positive correlation between change in BDNF and PANSS scores was observed. Studies based on non-pharmacological methods varied based on the treatment applied. Therefore, it is difficult to draw definite conclusions.

Effect of cannabis use on blood levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF): A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Medications used for schizophrenia treatment like antipsychotics show an increase in BDNF levels in patients with schizophrenia (Fernandes et al., 2015 ; Mosiołek et al., 2023 ), and cannabis use is thought to be associated with worse outcomes in patients with psychosis and schizophrenia (Bersani et al., 2002 ; Schoeler et al., 2016 ; Zammit et al., 2008 ). Moreover, higher levels of BDNF are positively correlated with a better course of disease in patients with schizophrenia (Asevedo et al., 2013 ; Carlino et al., 2011 ; Zhang et al., 2012 ).…”