Serum BDNF levels in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key Points

• To examine the role of serum BDNF levels as a potential biomarker for bipolar disorder in children and adolescents.
• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies.
• Evaluated serum BDNF levels in children and adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
• Assessed the methodological quality and sample sizes of included studies.
• Current evidence does not support BDNF as a diagnostic biomarker for pediatric bipolar disorder.
• Indicates the necessity for future studies with larger sample sizes and improved methods.