Where Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is reported
Also listed as: BDNF; Neurotrophin
| Condition | Direction | Compared against | Associated symptoms | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf War Illness | ↕ inconsistent | healthy Gulf War veteran controls | Cognitive dysfunction | Gean et al. 2021 |
| Major Depressive Disorder | ↓ reduced | MDD patients vs healthy controls | — | Nobis et al. 2020 |
Frequently asked questions
In which conditions is Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) altered?
In the OSMF atlas Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is reported in Gulf War Illness, Major Depressive Disorder. It is reduced in 1, mixed in 1 across 2 entries.
Does Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) point to one specific diagnosis?
No. Because Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) changes in several conditions (Gulf War Illness, Major Depressive Disorder), an abnormal result cannot identify which condition, if any, is present. It must be interpreted with symptoms, history and other tests.
Is there a standard clinical test for Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)?
The atlas entries for Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) do not carry a LOINC code, which usually means the marker was measured with research assays or study-specific methods rather than a routine clinical panel.
Is one abnormal Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) result diagnostic?
No single biomarker result is diagnostic of any of these conditions. Findings reflect group averages from published cohorts with substantial overlap between patients and controls.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-03 · Browse: Biomarker Index · All marker pages · Biomarker Atlas
Disclaimer: Educational synthesis of peer-reviewed research; not medical advice. Findings are group-level and vary with study design. Discuss any result with a qualified clinician.