Recovery of low plasma BDNF over the course of treatment among patients with bulimia nervosa

Recent studies have suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with energy balance, eating behaviors, and psychological states such as depression. Although decreased BDNF levels in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) have been reported, the mechanism is still unclear. Few studies have investigated longitudinal changes of BDNF in BN patients. We investigated changes in the levels of plasma BDNF before and after inpatient treatment. Subjects were 16 female patients with BN and 10 control females. The levels of plasma BDNF were measured. In seven patients who completed a 4-week inpatient treatment program based on cognitive behavior therapy, levels of plasma BDNF were measured twice, before and after inpatient treatment. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly lower in BN subjects than in controls. BDNF levels were significantly higher following inpatient treatment. Increased plasma BDNF after inpatient treatment suggests that lower plasma BDNF levels in BN patients are associated with abnormal eating behaviors, especially binge eating.