Folate and pyridoxine to ssri in major depression and residual cognitive Decline

Abstract

Introduction

Depressive disorders are very common conditions, lifetime risk for experiencing major depression is approximately 15%.

Objective

Patients with major depression having an insufficient response to SSRI may benefit from addition of methylfolate and pyridoxine.

Aim

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of folate and pyridoxine augmentation to SSRI on emotional, physical and cognitive symptoms in major depression.

Methods

Eighteen patients with MDD were enrolled, were on citalopram 20 mg/day when folate/15 mg per day/and pyridoxine/40 mg per day/were added. They have been monitored for three months using standard scales for depression and assessment by interview.

Results

After three months of using folate and pyridoxine to SSRI there was a significant improvement in depression as measured by the scales. In 8 patients were recorded improvements of 30–50%. The most prominent changes were in cognitive sphere of depression such as attention, reasoning and problem solving, working memory and speed of processing.

Conclusion

Low levels of folate and pyridoxine have been associated with the presence of depression and residual poor cognitive function. Our study confirms that folate and pyridoxine as adjunctive therapy to SSRI-partially refractory major depression is useful in particular to issues of residual cognitive interference conditions such as impaired concentration and memory, slow mentation, attention/vigilance, problem solving, working memory and speed of processing.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.