The role of BDNF in depression : will the neurothrophin hypothesis sparkle on, long after the glitter of the firework is gone?

Molendijk, M.L.

Molendijk, M.L. (2014)

The role of BDNF in depression : will the neurothrophin hypothesis sparkle on, long after the glitter of the firework is gone?

Doctoral Thesis

Confidence in a theory increases when it is confirmed by relevant data. Alongside some consistent findings, the data in the prevailing thesis largely detail a lack of confirmation of the neurotrophin hypothesis. And where expected associations were established (e.g., abnormally low serum BDNF concentrations in the depressed state), the meaning often was not that clear (e.g., reverse causation). I therefore conclude, whilst taking limitations into account and acknowledging that the results are contingent upon imperfect and peripheral measurement, that the most reliable evidence in humans does not corroborate the neurotrophin hypothesis. So, given the data, the final words of this thesis are that solid work over novelty shows that the neurotrophin hypothesis should no longer be credited in its original form. All that glitters is not gold - back to the drawing table