Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level and its relation with cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia: A cross-sectional exploratory study in patients at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has considerable relevance in neural growth and differentiation. It has been evaluated as a biomarker for individuals with various psychiatric disorders such as substance-related disorders and psychotic disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study explored differences in the levels of BDNF (in serum) among subjects using cannabis (with and without schizophrenia). METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study compared the serum BDNF level in male subjects aged 18–45 years. Four groups of 20 subjects each were included: individuals