Effect of variation in BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, smoking, and nicotine dependence on symptom severity of depressive and anxiety disorders

In patients with a current diagnosis of depression or anxiety, the relationship between nicotine dependence and symptom severity may be moderated by BDNF Val66Met. These results suggest that inherent genetic differences may be crucial for the worse behavioral outcome of nicotine, and that Val66Val carriers may benefit most in mental health from smoking cessation.