Participants

Eligible participants had a primary diagnosis of BD (Type I or II), were currently symptomatic, were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25), and were between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Individuals were ineligible if they had a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or substance dependence in the month prior to study entry; were actively suicidal; were currently pregnant; exercised regularly (i.e., 150 minutes of exercise per week); had a neurologic disorder or history of head trauma; or had other contraindications to participating in an intervention focused on exercise or diet. Thirty-eight participants were eligible and randomized to either NEW Tx (n = 19) or a control waitlist group (n = 19; see CONSORT chart in Figure 1). Participant demographics are reported in Table 1.

CONSORT chart of pilot NEW Tx randomized clinical trial.

Participant Demographics

Note: Mood stabilizers included Tegretol (carbamazepine), Depakote (valproic acid), Lamictal (lamotrigine), Lithium, Neurontin (gabapentine), and Trileptal (oxcarbazepine). Anxiolytics included Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Ambien (zolpidem). Antidepressants included Remeron (mirtazapine), Celexa (citalopram), Effexor (venlafaxine), Zoloft (sertraline), Desyrel (trazodone), Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate), Wellbutrin (bupropion), and vilazodone. Antipsychotics included Seroquel (quetiapine), Abilify (aripiprazole), Geodon (ziprasidone), and Risperdal (risperidone). Stimulants included Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall, Concerta (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Deztroamphetamine.