Effect of Vortioxetine versus Venlafaxine on Cognitive Function in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Amardeep  Kumar; Supriya  Kumari; Anant Kumar  Verma; Amardeep  Kumar; Rajesh Kumar  Pradhan

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2458

Authors

Amardeep Kumar Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, Nalanda Bihar, India
Supriya Kumari Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS , Pawapuri, Bihar , India
Anant Kumar Verma Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar , India
Amardeep Kumar Professor, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, India
Rajesh Kumar Pradhan Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology, Amity University ,Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2458

Keywords:

Major depressive disorder, Vortioxetine, Venlafaxine, Cognitive function, Antidepressants

Abstract

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and significantly contributes to functional impairment. Antidepressants differ in their impact on cognitive outcomes.

Aim

To compare the effects of vortioxetine and venlafaxine on cognitive function in adults with MDD.

Methods

This prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, from July 2025 to December 2025. Sixty patients diagnosed with MDD were allocated into vortioxetine (n=30) and venlafaxine (n=30) groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and Trail Making Test (TMT-A and TMT-B). Depression severity was measured using HDRS-17 at baseline and 8 weeks.

Results

The mean age was 38.6 ± 9.2 years in the vortioxetine group and 39.4 ± 8.7 years in the venlafaxine group (p=0.72). Both drugs significantly reduced HDRS scores (vortioxetine: 22.8±3.4 to 9.6±2.8; venlafaxine: 23.1±3.1 to 10.2±3.0; p<0.001). Cognitive improvement was significantly greater with vortioxetine. DSST scores improved by 14.2±3.6 versus 8.9±3.1 (p<0.001). TMT-A improved by −21.5±6.2 versus −13.1±5.4 seconds (p<0.01), and TMT-B improved by −34.6±8.1 versus −20.4±7.6 seconds (p<0.01). Adverse effects were mild and more frequent with venlafaxine.

Conclusion

Both medications were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, but vortioxetine demonstrated significantly greater cognitive improvement. Vortioxetine may be preferred in patients with MDD and prominent cognitive impairment.

Recommendation

Vortioxetine should be considered when cognitive dysfunction is a major treatment target.

Author Biographies

Amardeep Kumar, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, Nalanda Bihar, India

is a Senior Resident in Psychiatry at BMIMS, Pawapuri, with research interests in depressive disorders and cognitive dysfunction.

Supriya Kumari, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS , Pawapuri, Bihar , India

is a Senior Resident in Psychiatry with experience in clinical psychiatry and research.

Anant Kumar Verma, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, BMIMS, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar , India

is Associate Professor in Psychiatry specializing in mood disorders.

Rajesh Kumar Pradhan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology, Amity University ,Patna, Bihar, India

is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology with expertise in cognitive assessment.

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