Regardless of whether someone uses talk therapy or pharmacology, or a combination of the two to achieve relief from depression, ultimately, any relief they experience is the consequence of neural plasticity (also called neuroplasticity), which is essentially changes in the function of neural circuits in the brain and/or body. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was discovered for its role in promoting the growth, survival, and neuroplasticity of neurons, although it has other roles as well.

What is BDNF, and why should you care? Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a brain protein that promotes neuroplasticity — so it’s crucial to things like memory, learning, and neuroplasticity.* If you’re over 40, you should care about BDNF because you likely make less of it than you used to… and it’s not going to get better with age, unless you do something about it. | Dave Asprey