Papalexi E, Galanopoulos A, Kontis D, Markopoulou M, Balta G, Karavelas E, Panagiotidis P, Vlachos T, Ettrup A. Real-world effectiveness of vortioxetine in outpatients with major depressive disorder: functioning and dose effects.
BMC Psychiatry 2022;
22:548. [PMID:
35962369 PMCID:
PMC9373318 DOI:
10.1186/s12888-022-04109-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Functional recovery is an important treatment goal in major depressive disorder (MDD). This study assessed the real-world effectiveness of vortioxetine in patients with MDD, with particular focus on functioning; dose-response was also assessed.
METHODS
This was a non-interventional, prospective, multicenter study conducted in Greece. Adult outpatients with MDD (n = 336) initiating vortioxetine (5-20 mg/day flexible dosing) as treatment for a current major depressive episode were followed for 3 months. Analyses were stratified according to vortioxetine dosage at 3 months: 5-10 mg/day versus 15-20 mg/day. Functioning was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS).
RESULTS
Mean ± standard error SDS total score decreased (improved) from 18.7 ± 0.3 at baseline to 12.9 ± 0.3 after 1 month of vortioxetine treatment and 7.8 ± 0.4 after 3 months (p < 0.001 vs. baseline for all comparisons). Functional recovery (SDS score ≤ 6) was achieved in 14.6% of patients after 1 month of treatment and 48.4% of patients after 3 months. Improvement from baseline in SDS total and domain scores at 3 months was more pronounced in patients receiving vortioxetine 15-20 mg/day than in those receiving vortioxetine 5-10 mg/day. The mean ± standard error change in SDS total score from baseline was 9.2 ± 0.8 in the 5-10 mg/day group and 12.1 ± 0.4 in the 15-20 mg/day group (p < 0.001). Limitations of this study include its non-interventional study design and lack of a control group or active comparator.
CONCLUSIONS
Statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in functioning were seen in patients with MDD treated with vortioxetine in a real-world setting. Higher doses of vortioxetine were associated with significantly greater improvements in functioning.
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