Positive correlation between plasma BDNF levels and extraversion () could be observed. In contrast, no significant correlation with neuroticism and plasma BDNF was reported.
Males showed a positive association between plasma BDNF levels and the facets “depression” () and “vulnerability” () of neuroticism and a negative correlation with plasma BDNF and conscientiousness (). Additional significant results (but weaker) turned up. Please see the original paper.
healthy participants, only a smaller subsample was investigated with respect to plasma BDNF ( Italian participants)
NEO-PI(-R)
Serum BDNF levels were inversely correlated with neuroticism scores (especially the “depression” facet of neuroticism; , after controlling for CES-D depressive symptoms score). No association with plasma BDNF and personality could be observed.
participants divided in four groups mono-/dizygotic low and high risk twins for affective disorders (Danish sample)
EPQ
Females with high genetic risk for affective disorders and a high number of stressful life events were associated with lower whole blood BDNF levels compared to females with high risk and a lower number of stressful life events. In males with risk for depression and a high number of stressful life events the BDNF levels were higher, which was interpreted by an appropriate counteraction of BDNF against a potential emerging affective disorder.
Harm avoidance was negatively associated with plasma BDNF levels (). A positive association was reported with self-directedness ()
NEO-FFI represents the short version of the NEO-PI(-R)1. EPQ is Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire measuring the personality dimensions neuroticism, extraversion, and psychoticism. Moreover, the here presented results represent only parts of the results reported in the mentioned studies, because some of the studies focused on aspects beyond BDNF and personality. Either the NEO-personality inventory or its revised version was used in the studies of Table 1.
