Lyndon GJ, et al. - In a post hoc pooled subgroup analysis of data of 1573 patients from eight short-term studies of major depressive disorder, researchers examined how baseline anxiety influence the efficacy of venlafaxine extended release vs placebo. Baseline 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression Item 10 score [<3 (low) vs ≥3 (high)] was used to define the anxiety subgroups. On analyzing change from baseline to final visit in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale response and remission rates, significantly greater change was noted for venlafaxine extended release vs placebo in both low and high anxiety subgroups. For Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score only, they noted statistically significant baseline anxiety by treatment interaction. As per results, treatment with venlafaxine extended release (75–375 mg/day) can lead to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients regardless of the level of anxiety at baseline.