Therissa Benerji

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by a cluster of emotional, behavioral, and cognitive features causing functional impairment. Escitalopram and Vilazodone are approved drugs in management of MDD. Escitalopram is found to be efficacious in patients with MDD. However, sexual dysfunction and weight gain are of a primary concern leading to discontinuation of treatment. Vilazodone is efficacious for patients who do not respond to SSRI/SNRI monotherapy. Evidence suggests it to be associated with a better side effect profile. Aim: To study the effectiveness and side effect profile of vilazodone and escitalopram in patients diagnosed with MDD. Materials and Methods: All patients diagnosed with MDD and commenced for the first time on vilazodone or escitalopram were included in the study via purposive sampling. Effectiveness and side effect profiles of the patients were studied by applying HAM-D and ASEC, respectively, at baseline, at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in weeks 2, 4, and 6 for both the drugs. On intergroup comparison, no significant difference was found in terms of response rates. The number of side-effects was more in the escitalopram group. Conclusion: Taken together with our results, vilazodone appears to be equally effective as escitalopram in treating patients of MDD. However, vilazodone has the advantage of better tolerability as compared to escitalopram. Key messages: Vilazodone was found to be equally effective as escitalopram in patients with MDD and has the advantage of better tolerability as compared to escitalopram. Keywords: Vilazodone, Escitalopram, Major depressive disorder.

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Abstract

Background: Bipolar affective disorders (BPAD) can lead to impaired quality of life (QOL) through intense personal suffering and disrupted familial, social and occupational functioning.Self?report of QOL in patients with BPAD is likely to be influenced by ‘mood bias’ or cognitive distortions regarding self?concept and functioning. Improving the QOL of patients with BPAD is one of the valued goals of treatment. This study is undertaken with the aim to evaluate quality of life and disability in patients with BPAD in remission. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with BPAD, currently in remission were taken as subjects for the study. HAM-D and YMRS were applied to assess depression and mania, respectively. Fifty patients who were in remission were included and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire – short form (Q-LES-Q-SF) and IDEAS were applied to evaluate quality of life and disability, respectively. Results: Mean age of the sample was 42±3.55 years. Of the total sample, 29 (58%) were males, and 21 (42%) were females. Statistically significant association was found between number of years spent ill and quality of life (p Conclusion: Taken together, our results have indicated that many patients with BPAD in remission have significant disability and poorer QOL. There is a need to develop interventions to reduce the disability thereby enhancing the QOL.   Keywords: Bipolar affective disorder, Disability, Quality of life

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