Escitalopram (Lexapro) for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Escitalopram for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

The purpose of this study is to determine whether women with postpartum major depressive disorder (MDD) will experience a significant decrease in depressive symptoms from baseline over an eight-week treatment intervention with escitalopram (Lexapro). Also, to determine whether women with postpartum MDD will experience a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women ages 18 to 45 years old
• Subjects must meet criteria for a major depressive episode with symptoms developing within three month of live childbirth
• Subjects must present within six months of childbirth
• MADRS score >15
• BAI score >10
• Subjects will be able to be treated on an outpatient basis
• Subjects will be able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who have taken any psychotropic medication, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication, within the past two weeks (with the exception of non-benzodiazepine medications used for sleep, including trazodone, zolpidem, eszopiclone, etc)
• Suicidal ideation with active plan or intent, as determined by the investigator
• Presence of psychotic symptoms or homicidal ideation
• History of mania or hypomania
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Presence of chronic depression or dysthymia, or chronic or treatment resistant anxiety disorders, as determined by investigator
• Active alcohol/substance abuse currently or within the past year
• Abnormal TSH, severe anemia, or uncontrolled hypertension