On the quest for a biomechanism of transsexualism: is there a role for BDNF?

Johannes Fuss; Sarah V Biedermann; Günter K Stalla; Matthias K Auer

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.08.023

On the quest for a biomechanism of transsexualism: is there a role for BDNF?

J Psychiatr Res. 2013 Dec;47(12):2015-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.08.023. Epub 2013 Sep 7.

Authors

Johannes Fuss¹, Sarah V Biedermann, Günter K Stalla, Matthias K Auer

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 24070909
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.08.023

Abstract

Previous studies hypothesized a neurobiological mechanism for gender identity disorder (GID). Recently a possible role for serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was suggested on the basis of reduced serum BDNF levels in male-to-female individuals. Here we review the question whether there is indeed a role of BDNF in the development of transsexualism.

Keywords: Gender identity disorder; Male to female; Neurobiology; Neuroplasticity; Transgender; Transsexual.

Publication types

Letter
Review

MeSH terms

Biomarkers / blood
Body Mass Index
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / blood*
Female
Gender Identity*
Humans
Male
Transsexualism / blood*

Substances

Biomarkers
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor