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In cardiac patients with depression, cardiac outcomes (i.e., recurrent cardiac events and mortality) are worse than in nondepressed cardiac patients; several large studies have shown that treating depression reduces depressive symptoms and improves quality of life, but rarely improves cardiac outcomes. In a randomized, controlled, 6-month trial, 157 patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) and persistent (>3 months) depressive symptoms received a depression intervention or usual care. The collaborative, “stepped-care” intervention differed from previous interventions in allowing patients to choose problem-solving therapy, antidepressants, or both, as well as to switch, add, or adjust treatment, depending on response, at 8-week interval…