Abstract:

Objective To observe the improvement effect of agomelatine combined with poker-based entertainment therapy on cognitive impairment in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder. Methods A total of 122 patients with first-episode major depressive disorder admitted to the Psychiatric Department of Laizhou Rongjun Hospital of Yantai City from June 2019 to May 2022 were enrolled. The patients were assigned into an observation group (n=61) and a control group (n=61) by a random number table method. The control group was treated with agomelatine alone, while patients in the observation group were additionally treated with agomelatine combined with poker-based entertainment therapy. The therapeutic effects of the two groups after 8 weeks of treatment were assessed. Results Attributable to treatment interruption, the actual number of patients completed in the control group and the observation group was 60 (1 shedding) and 59 (2 shedding), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in general information (gender, age, years of education, marital status, etc.), 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) between groups before treatment (P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in HAMD-17 score between groups (P>0.05), but significantly elevated MoCA score and decreased relapse rate were detected in the observation group relative to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Agomelatine combined with poker-based entertainment therapy can significantly improve cognitive function and reduce relapse in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder.

Key words: first-episode major depressive disorder, cognition, agomelatine, poker-based entertainment therapy