Background:

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) serum levels change with age, physical exercise, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as dementia, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Military personnel are physically and mental training with an increased risk of developing mental disorders.

Objective:

The main objective of this study was determinate the BDNF serum levels in four military samples. 132 participants, administrative personnel (control) and three different Special Operations Forces (SOF) groups participated in the study.

Methods:

A first group of SOFS was on a training course (SOF-TC), second group exposed to 48 hours of operational stress (SOF-48hS) and third group exposed to two-weeks of operational stress (SOF-2wS). The mini interview was conducted and CAPS, and BNF levels were determined by ELISA assays.

Results:

Differences in age, were evaluated by ANOVA post-hoc Tukey´s. Differences in BNDF levels are evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis test post hoc Dunn’s. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between BDNF and age. The SOF-TC had a BDNF elevation in comparison with Control group that could be related to age differences or the physical and mental training.SOF-2wS had decreased BDNF levels in comparison to the other groups that could be related to the psychosocial stress or other mental disorders such as PTSD. That group, 2 participants showed signs of PTSD.

Conclusion:

BDNF levels are an accurate method for the evaluation of mental health to prevent, diagnose & treat mental disorders in military personnel exposed to operational stress.

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