The Efficacy and Safety of Escitalopram for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Investigation Into the Safety and Efficacy of Escitalopram for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis

Emotionally labile, depressed participants with multiple sclerosis treated with escitalopram will have a greater reduction in emotional lability scores and in their psychological distress scores than those who are randomized to receive placebo.

Patients with multiple sclerosis who are experiencing mood lability and symptoms of depression will be randomized to receive either escitalopram 10mg/day or placebo tablets for a period of 6 weeks. It is hypothesized that patients receiving medication will experience a greater normalization of their emotional instability and a greater reduction in their depressive symptoms at the end of the six-week trial than those who are not receiving medication.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
• Having mild to moderate depressive symptoms, with or without emotional lability
• Experiencing psychological distress

Exclusion Criteria:

• Meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder or another Axis 1 diagnosis
• Cognitive impairment
• The presence of an unstable medical illness that might preclude completion of the study -