<qa>  What is the steroid inhaler counter used to assess baseline adherence?Participants will receive a clinical psychiatric evaluation by one of the investigators to confirm the diagnosis and that the participant meets entry criteria. Steroid inhaler dose monitoring using the counter already included by the manufacturer will begin at this time. After the participant is determined to qualify, the steroid inhaler counter will be used to assess baseline adherence. Participants will be randomized and receive either escitalopram or a placebo identical in appearance. Each participant will then be given a 14-day supply of active medication escitalopram 10 mg or placebo and asked to return for a follow-up appointment in two weeks. Each participant will be given a phone number to reach the Principle Investigator PI and Research Assistant RA 24 hours a day. The RA will obtain written consent to inform the physician treating their asthma of their participation in the study. Each participant will then return for follow-up appointments twice per month at which time they will repeat the outcome measures according to the schedule given below. Pill counts will be conducted, MEMS caps analyzed and a list of current medications and doses will be obtained at each visit. Participants will be compensated and receive bus passes at each appointment, plus a monetary incentive if bring in Advair inhaler and MEMS cap to the appointment adherence monitoring. Participants will be evaluated by both the RA and PI at each follow-up appointment. Participants who have not shown evidence of adequate response 30 decrease in HRSD to the antidepressant at week 4, and who do not have side effects, will have the dose increased to two tablets 20 mg of active medication or placebo. At week 12, responders HRSD reduction 50 from baseline will continue on blinded treatment with assessments every 4 weeks for an additional 16 weeks continuation phase. Nonresponders will be removed from the study and given standard treatment by an unblinded psychiatrist Dr. Nakamura until referral can be made for further treatment. Continuation phase will begin at the final week 12 assessment for responders. They will be given a 4-week supply of medication at the dose they are taking at week 12, and instructions to call if they experience a worsening in symptoms e.g., decrease in sleep, suicidal thoughts between the 4-week appointments, and an appointment with a study physician will be arranged. The HRSD will be assessed at any interim appointments and the participant discontinued if they meet discontinuation criteria. Treatment referral will be arranged as in the acute phase study. At completion of 28 weeks, they will be referred for further treatment as appropriate, with their PCP, the Parkland Psychiatry Clinic, a private psychiatrist, a UT Southwestern Medical Center, or the county Mental Health Mental Retardation MHMR system. Parkingbus tokens will be provided. A final visit for safety, to assess follow-up adherence and collect asthma and depression outcome data will be arranged 4 weeks after the last appointment e.g., discontinuation at end of acute phase, end of continuation phase, or if discontinued early for any reason. 