Psychiatry Res. 2025 Oct 19;354:116778. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116778. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by cognitive deficits-including impairments in attention, memory, and executive functions-that persist during both acute episodes and remission. These cognitive deficits contribute to significant functional impairment and increase the risk of relapse. This study aimed to investigate the effects of duloxetine and vortioxetine, two antidepressants with distinct mechanisms of action, on cognitive functions in patients with MDD.
METHODS: In this 8-week prospective study, 103 participants were enrolled: 35 patients with MDD treated with vortioxetine (10-20 mg), 34 with duloxetine (60-90 mg), and 34 healthy controls. Depressive symptom severity and clinical features were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression Scale. Cognitive functions were evaluated with the Stroop TBAG form, Trail Making Test, and Auditory Verbal Learning Test.
RESULTS: During the acute phase, patients with MDD performed significantly worse than healthy controls on tests of attention, processing speed, memory, and executive functions. After eight weeks of treatment, cognitive functions improved in both the duloxetine and vortioxetine groups. Vortioxetine was associated with greater improvements in selective and sustained attention and executive functions compared to duloxetine.
CONCLUSION: Residual symptoms persisting during remission may be attributable to ongoing cognitive deficits. Addressing cognitive dysfunction is crucial for restoring functional capacity and preventing relapse in MDD. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to inform optimal treatment strategies.
PMID:41138293 | DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2025.116778
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