RESUMEN
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signals and dopaminergic function in the brain are strongly associated, and research on BDNF in schizophrenia may enhance our insights on the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease. In the present study we aimed to investigate the possible association between serum BDNF levels and schizophrenic relapses and the possible differential effects of treatment with typical and atypical antipsychotics on serum BDNF levels in the same group of patients. We measured serum BDNF levels in 47 patients with schizophrenia during a relapse and again 6 weeks after administration of antipsychotic treatment (14 on risperidone, 18 on haloperidol, 10 on olanzapine and five on amisulpride) and in 44 healthy volunteers. Patients with schizophrenia showed reduced serum BDNF levels in relation to healthy volunteers at study entry. No significant differences were revealed in BDNF serum levels after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment in the patients compared to their own levels at study entry. However, serum BDNF was significantly increased in the subgroup receiving olanzapine compared to the other antipsychotics. Our findings may indicate a differential effect of olanzapine on BDNF levels compared to haloperidol, risperidone, and amisulpride.
Asunto(s)
Antipsicóticos/uso terapéutico , Factor Neurotrófico Derivado del Encéfalo/sangre , Esquizofrenia/sangre , Adulto , Amisulprida , Antipsicóticos/farmacología , Benzodiazepinas/farmacología , Benzodiazepinas/uso terapéutico , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Haloperidol/farmacología , Haloperidol/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Olanzapina , Risperidona/farmacología , Risperidona/uso terapéutico , Esquizofrenia/tratamiento farmacológico , Sulpirida/análogos & derivados , Sulpirida/farmacología , Sulpirida/uso terapéutico , Insuficiencia del TratamientoRESUMEN
The Stroop Test is a quick and frequently used measure in screening for brain damage, dysfunction of selective attention, and cognitive flexibility. The purpose of the present study is to provide normative data for Trenerry's Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test (SNST) in a sample of 605 healthy Greek participants (age range: 18-84 years, education range: 6-18 years). Results revealed that age and education significantly contributed to SNST scores, accounting for a significant proportion of variance in time needed to complete the color task and in the interference Color-Word score. Performance on most of the measures decreases with increasing age and lower levels of education. Normative data stratified by age and education for the Greek adult population are provided as a useful set of norms for clinical practice.