Improved Alertness Is Associated with Early Increase in Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Antidepressant Treatment Outcome in Major Depression.

Background/aims: In major depression cognitive impairment is common and may persist despite improvement in psychopathology. So far it is unclear how closely related improvement in cognitive functioning is to the clinical course of depression. Further, it is unclear whether recovery from cognitive impairment is linked to changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF).

High baseline BDNF serum levels and early psychopathological improvement are predictive of treatment outcome in major depression.

Rationale: Major depressive disorder has been associated with low serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF), which is functionally involved in neuroplasticity. Although sBDNF levels tend to normalize following psychopathological improvement with antidepressant treatment, it is unclear how closely sBDNF changes are associated with treatment outcome.

Objectives: To examine whether baseline sBDNF or early changes in sBDNF are predictive of response to therapy.

The results of the Swiss observational study of the new, fast-dissolving mirtazapine formulation in depressed patients.

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to document the experience with the use of a new, fast-dissolving oral tablet (FDT, RemeronSolTab®) of mirtazapine, a NaSSA antidepressant, in the treatment of depressed patients in daily practice in Switzerland. Methods.