Real-world effectiveness of vortioxetine in outpatients with major depressive disorder: functioning and dose effects

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.