Duloxetine Versus Escitalopram and Placebo in the Treatment of Patients With Major Depression

To compare the onset of antidepressant efficacy for duloxetine 60 mg once-daily compared with escitalopram 10 mg once-daily.

To compare the efficacy of duloxetine 60 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 mg once-daily and placebo during acute therapy

To compare the efficacy of duloxetine 60-120 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10-20 mg once-daily and placebo for up to 8 months of therapy

To compare incidence of sexual dysfunction (defined by Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ)), during acute therapy for patients treated with duloxetine 60 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 mg once-daily & placebo.

To compare sexual dysfunction during up to 8 months of treatment with duloxetine 60-120 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 to 20 mg once-daily and placebo

To compare impact of duloxetine 60 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 mg once-daily & placebo during acute therapy & during 8 months of therapy on quality of life, functional/health outcomes, & patient satisfaction with study drug

To compare impact of duloxetine 60-120 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 to 20 mg once-daily and placebo for up to 8 months of therapy on quality of life, functional/health outcomes, & patient satisfaction with study drug

To compare impact of duloxetine 60-120 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10-20 mg once-daily and placebo during acute and extended therapy on resource utilization (% patients using more,less or equal number of health care providers and services)

To evaluate safety and tolerability of duloxetine 60 mg once-daily vs. escitalopram 10 mg once-daily and placebo during acute therapy

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of duloxetine 60-120 mg once-daily vs. escitalopram 10-20 mg once-daily and placebo for up to 8 months of therapy

To compare percentage of patients taking duloxetine 60 mg once-daily versus escitalopram 10 mg once-daily and placebo requiring a dose escalation due to less than satisfactory initial response (defined by IRB supplement or investigator request)

To compare efficacy of duloxetine versus escitalopram in the placebo non-responders who enter the rescue phase