Who will be participating?

A total of 2,016 adult patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD (non-psychotic) and 672 age and sex-matched healthy controls will participate in this international, multi-site study.

You may be able to participate if:           

You meet the DSM-IV criteria for a primary diagnosis of Major Depression Disorder (MDD)     

You have a depression severity (HAM-D) score of  >  16

You are between 18-65 years of age  (inclusive)             

You are fluent in English (reading and writing)               

You are willing to provide written and informed consent

            

You are NOT able to participate if you have presence of:             

Suicidal Ideations (score > 8 in Section C of MINI Plus)

Bipolar Disorder I-III

Psychosis

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Primary Eating Disorders

ADHD (primary over MDD)

Anxiety (primary over MDD)

Axis II Personality Disorders   

Pregnancy, breastfeeding or wish to become pregnant            

Any antidepressant drugs which cannot be washed out prior to participation     

Any previous negative reaction to Lexapro, Zoloft, or Effexor XR           

Any medical condition or neurological disorder that would significantly interfere with assessments     

A severe impairment of vision, hearing or hand movements               

A brain injury or blow to the head that resulted in lost consciousness for 5 minutes       

Recent or current substance dependence on alcohol or drugs (in the past 6 months)               

Participation in another Study within the last 4 months