RESUMO
Objective To explore the changes of depressive symptoms and serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)before and after venlafaxine treatment in female patients with depression. Methods 40 perimenopausal women patients with depression received treatment with venlafaxine for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment,the patients were assessed by the Hamilton Depression Scale(table 24 item version)and serum levels of BDNF were measured. The results were compared with those from 40 healthy menopausal women. Results In the treatment group,the depressive symptoms were improved(P < 0.05);and the BDNF level was elevated(P < 0.05). The serum BDNF levels were higher in the effective group than in the non-effective group (P<0.05);the BDNF levels were increased(P<0.05)before and after treatment.Conclusions Treatment with venlafaxine for depression in perimenopausal women,BDNF levels are increased and depression symptoms are mproved significantly.The effect is associated with the level of BDNF.