Improvements in quality of life with desvenlafaxine 50mg/d vs placebo in employed adults with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background: Diminished quality of life (QOL) is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: QOL was assessed in a post-hoc analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Employed adult outpatients with MDD were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of treatment with desvenlafaxine 50mg/d or placebo. Changes from baseline in the Short Form of the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) item scores at week 12 were analyzed using analysis of covariance with treatment, region, and baseline in the model. Correlations between change from baseline in the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D17) total score and Q-LES-Q scores were computed.

Results: The intent-to-treat population included 427 patients. There were statistically significant improvements from baseline for desvenlafaxine vs placebo in 10 of 16 Q-LES-Q item scores (P values ≤0.0441). The percentage of patients with severe QOL impairment (≥2 SD below community norm) at week 12 was significantly lower for desvenlafaxine (46%) vs placebo (62%; P=0.0024; baseline: 95% and 94%, respectively). Change in Q-LES-Q total score was highly correlated with change in HAM-D17 score at week 12, LOCF (P<0.0001), and improvement in HAM-D17 total score at week 2 predicted change in Q-LES-Q total score at week 12 for the desvenlafaxine group (F=24.89; P<0.0001) but not placebo.

Limitations: This analysis excluded patients who were unemployed, had severe comorbidities, and those taking multiple, concomitant medications.

Conclusion: Improvement in QOL and depressive symptoms was significantly greater for employed depressed patients treated with desvenlafaxine vs placebo.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00824291.

Keywords: Antidepressive agents; Major depressive disorder; Quality of life outcomes.