Comparison of effects of sertraline and reboxetine on the loss of social functioning in major depressive disorder: A randomized, open-labeled study

Abstract

Objective: In this study we aimed to compare the effects of sertraline and reboxetine, which are influential on two different neurotransmitters, on social functioning.Method: 41 patients conforming to the study protocol and who met DSM-IV MDD diagnostic criteria were recruited for the study. These subjects were distributed randomly into two groups, sertraline and reboxetine. The subjects were assessed six times during the study which lasted 11 weeks. At each assessment the subjects were asked to complete "Hamilton Depression Rating Scale" (HDRS), "Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale" (MADRS) and "Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS).Results: In both groups, the decrease in HDRS and MADRS scores was found to be statistically significant starting from the 2nd visit, compared to the values prior to medication. The decrease in SASS scores, on the other hand, was significant starting from the 3rd visit. In comparison of reboxetine and sertraline groups, HDRS scores were found to be significantly higher in the reboxetine group in visits 2, 3, and 4. However, no significant difference was found in MADRS and SASS scores.Discussion and Conclusion: In this study two antidepressants which create a selective effect via serotonin and noradrenalin were compared and it was found that clinically an earlier response and remission was provided with reboxetine. Nevertheless, it is notable that there was no statistically significant difference on their social functioning levels.