Treatment for Depressed, Obese Individuals at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Exclusion Criteria

• •Cardiovascular event (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke) within the past 12 months
• •Use of tricyclic anti-depressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors or paroxetine, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotic medications. (Note: participants who take SSRI/SNRI may be acceptable, provided they have been on a stable dose of these medications 3 months.)
• •Use of weight-loss medications or any medications known to significantly affect weight (e.g., oral steroids) in past 3 months
• •Weight loss of 5% or more in past 6 months
• •Enrollment in weight reduction program in prior 3 months
• •Treatment in individual psychotherapy for any psychiatric disorder in prior 3 months (Note: participants in couples or family counseling will be allowed.)
• •Severe depression or severe impairment of functioning as judged by the assessor or PI
• •Presence of active suicidal ideation
• •Diabetes
• •Alcohol/drug abuse/dependence
• •Renal/hepatic disease
• •Change in thyroid medications in last 3 months
• •Pregnant/lactating, within 6-months post-partum
• •Current diagnoses, or history within the last 5 years, of anorexia or bulimia
• •Psychotic symptoms or hospitalization for a psychiatric disorder in previous 12 months
• •Mood disorder NOS, substance-induced mood disorders, mood disorders due to a general medical condition
• •History of bipolar disorder
• •History of head trauma
• •Any changes in smoking behavior in prior 3 months (or plans to change in the next 3 months)
• •Plans for bariatric surgery
• •Any other uncontrolled major medical problems
• •Women who are pregnant