Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes growth and maintenance of connections and participates in plasticity mechanisms.The cognition an the functioning of patients with a first episode of psychotic (FEP) is altered.

We analyze the relation between the BDNF, the cognitive performance and prognosis in patients with FEP.

45 patients with a FEP from the Basque Country, diagnosed using the SCID-I and DSM-IV. Plasma BDNF levels were measured using the BDNF Sandwich ELISA Kit. All patients were assessed clinically three times over a year using PANSS, GAF and Strauss Carpenter scales. Battery of cognitive tests (Wechsler Memory Scale and WAIS-III) was applied six months after the acute episode.

Positive correlation between BDNF levels after six months of treatment and five cognitive domains: abstract verbal reasoning (r = 0.468), motor and processing speed (r = 0.397), learning capacity (r = 0.559), immediate memory (r = 0.409) and delayed memory (r = 0.382). Also, the patients with lower BDNF plasma levels at baseline, at 6 months follow-up had worse social activity (0.61 vs. 0.89; p = 0.041) and functioning (0.69 vs. 0.93; p = 0.044).The BDNF levels increased along the follow up, after the pharmacological treatment (basal-1 month: Z = −2.88; p ≤ 0.004 and 1–6 months: Z = −2.23; p ≤ 0.05).

Our results suggest that BDNF is associated with cognitive impairment seen after a FEP and their prognosis. After the pharmacological treatment, the BDNF levels increase significantly and at 6 moths of treatment there were normal levels. Further investigations of the role of this neurotrophin in the symptoms associated with onset of psychosis are warranted.