Effects of Escitalopram on Autonomic Reactivity in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Exclusion Criteria

• •History of cardiovascular disease or a history of hypertension.
• •Patients with a concurrent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis in any of the following categories as determined by the M.I.N.I.
• •Lifetime Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
• •Lifetime Bipolar I Disorder
• •Substance Dependence or Abuse (excluding nicotine) within one month prior to the Screening Visit.
• •Patients with a history of intolerance or hypersensitivity to escitalopram or citalopram.
• •Patients who based on history or mental status examination have a significant risk of committing suicide. Current suicide risk (past month) will be assessed using the M.I.N.I. Suicidality Module. Subjects considered at high suicide risk based on the module (\> 17 points) will be excluded from study participation.
• •Patients who are homicidal or violent and who are in the Investigator's opinion in significant imminent risk of hurting others.
• •Subjects will be excluded who have a history of significant medical illness and who are on medications that affect cardiac and/or autonomic function.
• •Female patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if of childbearing potential, not using an acceptable method of birth control.