Exploring the association between lower serum BDNF levels and delayed-onset PTSD in physically injured patients with vulnerable personality traits: A two-year prospective study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Trauma Research

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health concern following physical injury.
• Understanding the factors contributing to PTSD development, particularly its onset patterns, is crucial for effective intervention.
• Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF) and personality traits are potential moderators in PTSD etiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal relationships between serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF) levels, personality types, and the development of earlier- and delayed-onset posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• To explore the interaction between sBDNF and personality in predicting PTSD onset following physical injury.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study of 895 adults with moderate to severe physical injuries.
• Baseline assessments included serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (sBDNF) levels and personality classification (resilient vs. vulnerable) using the Big Five Inventory-10.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnoses were made using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury.

Main Results:

• 10.9% of participants developed PTSD, with 8.4% showing earlier-onset and 3.5% delayed-onset.
• Lower sBDNF levels significantly predicted delayed-onset PTSD specifically in individuals with a vulnerable personality type (N=15).
• This association was not observed in resilient individuals or those with earlier-onset PTSD.

Conclusions:

• The findings underscore a significant interaction between neurobiological factors (sBDNF) and psychological predispositions (vulnerable personality) in the development of delayed-onset PTSD.
• This interplay may offer deeper insights into the complex etiology of PTSD.
• Targeted interventions may benefit from considering both neurotrophic factor levels and personality profiles in at-risk populations.