People seeking treatment for major
depressive disorder (MDD)This is a physician's term for a specific
type of depression. A person who suffers from a major depressive disorder
must have either a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure
in daily activities. The person must have these symptoms consistently
for at least a two-week period. Furthermore, this mood must represent
a change from the person's normal mood. It should also be having a
negative impact on his or her daily function, such as family, work,
socializing, etc. A depressed mood caused by drugs or alcohol, or
one caused by a medical condition, is not considered a major depressive
disorder. Remember, only a doctor can properly diagnose this or any
other disorder. or generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD)An overwhelming sense of apprehension
and fear often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tension, sweating,
or increased pulse rate. Anxiety symptoms are commonly associated
with depression. are looking for relief from their symptoms.
They hope that it will help them get back to enjoying life again.
Lexapro is a selective serotoninA
neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve
the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin
in the brain. reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It has been shown
to effectively relieve symptoms for both depression and GAD.2,3
It is important to find a treatment that is effective in relieving
symptoms and that is well tolerated. This makes it easier to continue
taking the medicine and get the full benefit from it. Results of head-to-head
studies suggest that 10-mg a day of Lexapro is better tolerated because
it causes fewer side effects than other drugs in its class.4,5
Learn more about how well Lexapro works as a treatment for depressionA
disease that affects millions of Americans each year, believed to
be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called
neurotransmitters. and generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD)An overwhelming sense of apprehension
and fear often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tension, sweating,
or increased pulse rate. Anxiety symptoms are commonly associated
with depression..
