The Effectiveness of Sertraline in Patients Who Have Had Inadequate Response to Escitalopram

Inclusion Criteria: Primary DSM-IV diagnosis of Major Depressive episode of MDD without psychotic symptoms. Additional axis I diagnoses will be permitted only if they are identified as secondary diagnoses Ham-D 21 item score of greater than or equal to 18 Age 18 and above Ability and willingness to provide consent for participation Failure to respond to escitalopram Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or any psychotic disorder Alcohol or drug abuse or dependence currently or in the last 6 months A history of non-response or intolerance to sertraline at least 50 mg. for at least 4 weeks or more Concomitant use of another antidepressant or use of an antidepressant within 2 weeks of baseline (4 weeks for fluoxetine) Use within 1 week of baseline, or concomitant use of any psychotropics with the exception of zolpidem for sleep Use within 4 weeks of baseline or concomitant use of benzodiazepines with the exception of PRN use of diazepam 10 mg/day or its equivalent Presence of serious and/or unstable medical condition Score of 3 or 4 on the suicide item (item 3) of the Ham-D scale Known sensitivity of sertraline