Effect of adjunctive aripiprazole in achieving various levels of response and on domains of functioning in MDD: A pooled analysis

IntroductionMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients experience different levels of response and functionality impairments.Objectives/aimsEvaluate levels of response for adjunctive aripiprazole therapy (AA) and effects of AA on patient functioning.MethodsData were pooled from three similar, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with aripiprazole in MDD. Quartile response categories were defined by reduction (%) in MADRS >6 weeks of treatment: Minimal response (≤25%), Partial response (>25% to < 50%), Moderate response (≥50% to < 75%), and Robust response (≥75%). Proportions of placebo (AP) vs. AA patients achieving a response were compared (Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test) for each category. Functionality was assessed using mean changes in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) scores. Changes in scores were compared (ANCOVA) between AA and AP.ResultsAA had more patients (%) compared with AP achieving partial (23.9% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.017), moderate (23.1% vs. 15.0%, p< 0.001), and robust responses (14.3% vs. 7.4%, p< 0.001). AA had less (%) achieving minimal response compared with AP (38.7% vs. 59.6%, p< 0.001). Mean changes are below.[Mean changes in SDS and domain scores]ConclusionsMost inadequate responders who continued on AP were minimal responders (60%). 60% of aripiprazole patients rapidly achieved partial, moderate or robust response status. AA significantly improved social and family life domains of functioning.