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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Suicide in Schizophrenia: Critical Role of Neuroprotective Mechanisms as an Emerging Hypothesis.
- Source :
-
Indian journal of psychological medicine [Indian J Psychol Med] 2016 Nov-Dec; Vol. 38 (6), pp. 499-504. - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Suicide is a common occurrence in psychiatric disorders and is a cause of increased healthcare utilization worldwide. Schizophrenia is one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide and posited to be seen in 1% of the population worldwide. Suicide is a common occurrence in schizophrenia with 25%-30% patients with schizophrenia attempting suicide and 8%-10% completing it. There is a need for valid biological markers to help clinicians identify patients with schizophrenia that may be at a risk of suicide and thus help in them receiving better care and interventions at the earliest even before a suicide attempt occurring. There are clear neurobiological changes at a genetic, neuroimaging, and neurochemical level that occurs in patients with schizophrenia that attempt suicide. There is a new theory that postulates neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection to have a role in the biological changes that ensue when suicidal thoughts and feelings occur in patients with schizophrenia. Neurotrophic growth factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been documented to play a role in the protection of neurons and in the prevention of neurobiological changes that may lead to suicide both in schizophrenia and depression. The present paper presents a commentary that looks at the role of BDNF as a protective factor and neurobiological marker for suicide in schizophrenia.<br />Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0253-7176
- Volume :
- 38
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Indian journal of psychological medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28031582
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.194913