Project Summary

Flavio P. Kapczinski, M.D., Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2007) of Federal University, will investigate the role of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in bipolar disorder, and whether changes in BDNF levels following treatment can predict the effectiveness of antidepressants and mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder patients. BDNF is a growth factor involved in nerve-cell processes. It also appears to be involved in the occurrence of bipolar disorder. Patients with major depression have demonstrated lower levels of BDNF, which correlate with the severity of their depression. Earlier research in Dr. Kapczinski’s lab showed that bipolar disorder patients have lower serum BDNF during manic and depressive episodes and that levels increase when they are treated with mood stabilizers. Dr. Kapczinski wants to learn whether treatment-induced changes in BDNF levels can predict treatment response among bipolar disorder patients.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Bipolar\Bipolar I

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