Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in coping with the consequences of psychotraumatic events

Background: Psychological trauma may cause noticeable damage to the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) demonstrates neuroprotective properties in relation to organic brain damage caused by ischemia and craniocerebral traumas. To date, no sufficient evidence suggests that BDNF provides the viability of the nervous system in the process of overcoming the negative consequences of psychotraumatic events.

Aim: To analyze the relationshipbetween the individual psychological manifestations of the "resilient phenotype" and the BDNF level in the blood serum of individuals who have psychological traumatic experience and demonstrate effective coping.

Materials and methods: In 33 respondents (26 women, 7 men; mean age, 26.3 ± 7.46 years) who had psychological traumatic experience in the previous 3 years, the BDNF level (determined by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), personality, and behavioral correlates of psychological resilience were explored (using psychological survey). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used in the mathematical and statistical processing of empirical data.

Results:  The BDNF level in the blood serum of individuals with a past psychotraumatic event serves as a predictor of the level of expressiveness of resistance to stress (t=2.093, р=0.045), maladaptive states (t=2.511, р=0.018), manifestations of post-traumatic growth ("Personal Strength", t=2.911, р=0.007; "New Opportunities", t=2.242, р=0.032), and psychological well-being (t=−3.106, р=0.004).

Conclusion: The practical significance of the study is attributed to the formation of evidence base for clinical psychology, improvement of approaches to diagnostics, and provision of clinical and psychological assistance to those affected by psychotraumatic events.