Treatment of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder—a review of the preclinical evidence for efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and the multimodal-acting antidepressant vortioxetine

Preclinical evidence suggests that traditional antidepressants may improve cognitive function, particularly in cognitive flexibility and memory.

• Cognitive dysfunction in depressed patients is often significant and contributes to functional disability.
• Monoamine reuptake inhibitors may enhance cognitive flexibility and memory in preclinical models.
• Vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant, could offer advantages over traditional treatments regarding cognitive effects.
• Concerns exist about the translational relevance of preclinical findings due to the use of non-therapeutic doses and lack of long-term data.
• Recommendations include better assessment of target occupancy in both preclinical and clinical settings.

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