FAQs

FAQs for the Gay Community

Are gay men and lesbians more likely to be depressed or experience anxiety?

Although some studies have found about an equal rate of depression in both gay and straight people, research indicates that the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders is higher in the gay population compared with the general population.^1,2 Homophobia may be part of the reason.³

Is sexual desire affected by depression?

Although a decrease in libido is a common symptom of depression, not every depressed person experiences this symptom. In a study involving gay men, a minority of individuals reported experiencing an increase in sexual desire when they were depressed and/or anxious.⁴

How is depression related to HIV/AIDS?

Many think that experiencing symptoms of depression is an inevitable result of being diagnosed with a chronic condition such as HIV or AIDS. However, depression is a separate condition that needs to be addressed along with treatment for HIV or AIDS and/or other medical conditions a person may have. The good news is that, together with proper management of HIV and AIDS, appropriate treatment of depression might provide an additional benefit to the treatment of HIV/AIDS.⁵

FAQs about Depression

What causes depression?

The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be caused by an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genes may also play a role in not providing your brain with enough serotonin.

What are the symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some symptoms may include a persistent depressed or irritable mood, lack of pleasure in previously enjoyed activities or hobbies, a sudden change in weight, change in sleep habits, agitation or restlessness, constant fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, or frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

How do I know if I suffer from depression?

If you think you may be suffering from depression, take our Depression Self-Screener. The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.

FAQs about Anxiety

What causes anxiety?

The exact causes of generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, are difficult to explain. Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors (a family history of GAD) may make a person more likely to develop the disorder. GAD may also be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain-in particular, dopamine and serotonin, which are believed to regulate mood and behavior.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

People with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such everyday matters as health, money, family, or work. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.

How do I know if I suffer from GAD?


If you think you may be suffering from GAD, take our Anxiety Self-Screener. The results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose GAD.

What are the available treatments for GAD?

There are two major approaches to treating GAD that can be used alone or together. Counseling, or psychotherapy, can help people find new ways to cope with problems and understand more about anxiety and how to avoid it. There are also several types of anti-anxiety medicines. These use different approaches to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. The most widely used type is called an SRI. These work by changing the balance of a substance in the brain believed to influence mood, called serotonin. These medicines may take several weeks to be effective, but they work well and are generally safe.

FAQs about LEXAPRO

What is LEXAPRO?

LEXAPRO is an antidepressant and a member of the family of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). LEXAPRO was developed by isolating the medicinal component of CELEXA ® (citalopram HBr), a molecule known as an isomer. As a result, LEXAPRO is able to provide effective and well-tolerated therapy for patients. To learn more about LEXAPRO, please visit the LEXAPRO Website.

How does LEXAPRO work?

LEXAPRO helps to restore the brain's chemical balance by increasing the available supply of serotonin, a substance in the brain believed to influence mood.

Does LEXAPRO cause weight gain?

In controlled studies, clinically important changes in body weight were similar for patients treated with LEXAPRO and those treated with placebo. If you have concerns about any side effects, you should talk with your healthcare professional.

Will LEXAPRO affect my sex drive?

Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction may occur during a depressive episode, they may also be a consequence of treatment with SSRI therapies. Reliable estimates of changes in sexual behavior related to medicines are difficult to obtain, because patients and physicians are often reluctant to discuss them. In clinical trials, a low percentage of patients taking LEXAPRO have reported sexual side effects, primarily ejaculatory delay in men. If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.

Can I take LEXAPRO with other medicines?

LEXAPRO has a low risk of interacting with other medicines in general. One important exception is the family of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). LEXAPRO and MAOIs should not be taken together or within 14 days of each other. As with other medicines in this class (SSRIs), caution is indicated when taking LEXAPRO with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Lexapro should also not be taken together with the drug pimozide.

As with other psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake, patients should be cautioned regarding the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of LEXAPRO with NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation. Before you begin taking LEXAPRO, make sure to tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, diet supplements, etc.

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1. Cochran SD, Sullivan JG, Mays VM. Prevalence of mental disorders, psychological distress and mental services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2003;71:53-61. 2. Mills TC, Paul J, Stall R, et al. Distress and depression in men who have sex with men: The Urban Men's Health Study. Am J Psych. 2004;161:278-285. 3. Depression and mental health emerge as major concerns for the community: community health survey reveals top concern of gay men and lesbians. HealthyPlace Gender Community. Available at: http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Gender/Site/depression/ depression_in_community.htm, Accessed on: November 8, 2005. 4. Bancroft J, Janssen E, Strong D, et al. The relation between mood and sexuality in gay men. Arch Sexual Behavior. 2003;231-242. 5. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Depression and HIV/AIDS. NIH Publication No. 02-5005. May 2002.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of antidepressants in children, adolescents or young adults must balance the risk to clinical need. Patients of all ages started on antidepressant therapy should be closely monitored and observed for clinical worsening, suicidality or unusual changes in behavior, especially at the beginning of therapy or at the time of dose changes. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Lexapro is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Lexapro is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide (see DRUG INTERACTIONS: Pimozide and Celexa), or in patients with hypersensitivity to escitalopram oxalate. As with other SSRIs, caution is indicated in the coadministration of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) with Lexapro. SSRIs and SNRIs (including Lexapro) and other psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake may increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin and other anticoagulants may add to the risk. Patients should be cautioned about these risks. SSRIs and SNRIs have been associated with clinically significant hyponatremia. Elderly patients or patients taking diuretics or who are otherwise volume-depleted appear to be at a greater risk. Discontinuation of Lexapro should be considered in patients with symptomatic hyponatremia and appropriate medical intervention should be instituted. The most common adverse events with Lexapro versus placebo (approximately 5% or greater and approximately 2x placebo) were nausea, insomnia, ejaculation disorder, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.

See Important Safety Information