Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread mental health condition in India, affecting people across various age groups and backgrounds. Various studies suggest that millions of Indians are living with this condition, and it significantly contributes to the country's overall disease burden. 
Methodology: A cross sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted to collect opinion among doctors in neurology and psychiatry practiced in India between June 2022 and December 2022. Convenient sampling method was used. 
Results: Out of 138 booklets sent, 127 filled booklets received were assessed. The target respondents see on an average of 25-30% of their patients suffer from MDD in their clinical setup. In total, 40 percent of doctors see patients with MDD, while 25-50% of their patients suffer from bipolar disorders, which affects 10-25% of patients, PDD affects 0-10% of patients, and post-traumatic disorder is most common among 25-50% of patients, reported most by 34 percent of doctors. Vortioxetine (22%) is the third most preferred molecules as first line treatment for managing depression. On an average, 10-25% of men suffered from depressive disorders. The study reveals that 10-25% of side effects usually observed with the use of anti-depressants by 57% of doctors. The study reports 54% of doctors consider vortioxetine suitable for patients with MDD.
Conclusion: This study provided significant understanding into MDD and the perspectives of doctors on management. Further, more than half of the clinicians preferred vortioxetine for the management of patients with MDD.