Escitalopram (Lexapro) for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

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