Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels in heroin-dependent patients after 26weeks of withdrawal

Drug dependence, especially heroin dependence, causes many problems for individuals and society [1]. By the end of 2014, there were almost 2.96 million registered drug abusers in China, and more than 49.3% of them were individuals with heroin dependence [2]. Heroin dependence is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that can cause acute and protracted withdrawal symptoms when drug use is discontinued [3, 4]. For some individuals with heroin dependence, withdrawal symptoms may last for weeks, months or even years.

Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry - December 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Kai Zhang, Haifeng Jiang, Qiaoyang Zhang, Jiang Du, Yuan Wang, Min Zhao Source Type: research