Neuroprotective/Neurotrophic Effect of Lexapro® in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Neuroprotective/Neurotrophic Effect of Lexapro® in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The objectives of the current study are

1. to evaluate the efficacy of escitalopram in treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder,
2. to find the structural changes of brain using magnetic resonance imaging and its association with the symptoms reduction, and
3. to look at the differences of brain imaging findings and symptoms changes according to genetic differences of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (a biological molecule facilitating neuronal growth in human).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 year-old male or female
• PTSD diagnosed by SCID-IV

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous or current treatment history for PTSD
• Neurologic disease (eg., epilepsy, infarct, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor)
• Any other axis I psychiatric disorder diagnosed by SCID-IV
• Borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder
• IQ below 80
• Any contraindication to MRI scan
• Any current psychotropic medication
• Unstable medical illness or severe abnormality in laboratory test at screening assessment
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
• Any contraindications to drug used in the study (e.g., allergy, intolerance, etc.)