Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents aged 12-17. Lexapro is only the second antidepressant to be approved for the treatment of MDD in adolescents, a medical condition that affects approximately 2 million adolescents in the US.
Depression in Adolescents
Depression is a common illness in adolescents. One out of every 12 adolescents has depression.1 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTFUSPSTF is an independent panel of experts in primary care and prevention that systematically reviews the evidence of effectiveness and develops recommendations for clinical preventive services.2) recommends screening for adolescents.3
Has your teenager been screened for depression? Use this assessment tool with your adolescent and discuss the results with your healthcare provider.
Next: What is Depression?
References: 1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies. (May 11, 2009). The NSDUH Report: Major Depressive Episode and Treatment among Adolescents. Rockville, MD.
2. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening and treatment for major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: US preventive services task force recommendation statement. Pediatrics 2009;123:1223-1228
3. http://www.ahrq.gov/CLINIC/uspstfix.htm