Insights on the cognitive enhancement effect of desvenlafaxine in major depressive disorder

BackgroundDesvenlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in improving affective symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); however, its effects on associated cognitive and functional difficulties remain underexplored. This study seeks to assess the antidep...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Vicent-Gil, M, Trujols, J, Sagues, T, Serra-Blasco, M, Navarra-Ventura, G, Mantellini, CL, Crivillés, S, Portella, MJ, Cardoner, N
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT)
Repositorio:r-I3PT. Repositorio Institucional Producción Científica del Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí
OAI Identifier:oai:i3pt.fundanetsuite.com:p6286
Acceso en línea:https://i3pt.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones/6286
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-105000522139&doi=10.1186%2Fs12991-025-00552-2&partnerID=40&md5=61f3dfe9a6d7be946dd7f92db3591aa3
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Desvenlafaxine
Major depressive disorder
Cognition
Psychosocial functioning
Descripción
Sumario:BackgroundDesvenlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in improving affective symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD); however, its effects on associated cognitive and functional difficulties remain underexplored. This study seeks to assess the antidepressant effects of desvenlafaxine in patients with SSRI-resistant MDD, its impact on both objective and subjective cognitive performance, where cognitive improvements occur independently of clinical recovery or not, and its influence on psychosocial functioning.MethodsAn observational case-control prospective study with 66 participants was conducted, including 26 patients with a current MDD episode, with an inadequate SSRI response, and with the prescription of desvenlafaxine as the next antidepressant therapeutic option, and 40 healthy controls. Sociodemographic, clinical, cognitive, and functional assessments were conducted both before and after a 12-week treatment period. Changes were analyzed using two tailed paired-samples t-tests, with Cohen's d for effect sizes. Cognitive improvements were compared between the patients who achieved remission and those who did not.ResultsPatients showed significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, attention/working memory and processing speed, self-perceived cognitive difficulties and psychosocial functioning. Highlighting the fact these cognitive enhancements occurred independently of patients' clinical improvement.ConclusionsThe findings of this study focus on the therapeutic potential of desvenlafaxine, demonstrating its efficacy not only in ameliorating clinical and functional symptoms but also in addressing specific cognitive impairments in patients with depression. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying desvenlafaxine's effects and optimize treatment strategies for individuals with MDD.Trial registration numberNCT03432221 (clinical.trials.gov). Registration date: 08-01-2018.