A Review of Modern Antidepressants' Effects on Neurocognitive Function

The present paper reviews the current literature on modern antidepressants' effects on neurocognitive function. Today, it seems justified to state that SSRIs in general do not affect cognitive function. However, there exists some evidence that paroxetine is associated with a somewhat lower performance on neurocognitive tests than other sub-groups of SSRIs. Further, studies have consistently found sertraline to be better with regard to cognitive function compared to other SSRIs. There is a lack of studies assessing effects of RIMAs and 2-receptor antagonists on cognitive function. Some evidence suggests that the latter may have negative effects on cognitive function. Other studies suggest that reboxetine, bupropion and SNRIs may be more beneficial with regard to cognitive function than other antidepressants. However, the question whether these medications may actually improve cognitive function to a higher level than expected from improvement in depressive symptomatology, remains unclear. Clinical, social and emotional factors are important for cognitive function and these factors should always be taken into consideration when assessing effects of modern antidepressant therapy on cognitive function.