Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Grief in Family Caregivers
Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Early Maladaptive Grief: A Clinical Trial
This study is testing if a new therapy called Accelerated Resolution Therapy can help older family caregivers deal with grief before a loss and improve their emotional well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 440 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05624879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests the effects of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) on pre-loss grief and prolonged grief disorder in older adult family caregivers. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ART or an educational program over four sessions. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ART and understand cognitive processes involved in grief through a mixed methods approach. Data will be collected at multiple time points to assess changes in grief and cognitive appraisal.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adult family caregivers of individuals with a life expectancy of less than 12 months who exhibit clinically significant pre-loss grief.
Not a fit: Patients with major psychiatric disorders or those who have recently engaged in other trauma-based therapies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly alleviate maladaptive grief and prevent prolonged grief disorder in family caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary trials have shown promising results for ART in treating maladaptive grief, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary caregiver of immediate family member who has a life expectancy of less than 12 months * Score of 30 or higher on the PG-12-R, indicating clinically significant pre-loss grief * Denial of suicidal ideation or intent, with no evidence of psychotic behavior. Exclusion Criteria: * Since becoming a family caregiver (FCG), they have engaged in another trauma based psychotherapeutic regimen (EMDR, prolonged exposure therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy) that could influence response to accelerated resolution therapy (ART). * Self-reported or clinically assessed major psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). * Score of \> 2 on the adapted CAGE questionnaire indicating alcohol /drug dependence. * Cognitive impairment (SPMSQ \> 4 errors).
Where this trial is running
Phoenix, Arizona and 3 other locations
- Mayo Clinic Arizona — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (Recruiting)
- Suncoast Hospice — Clearwater, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Mayo Clinic Florida — Jacksonville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Mayo Clinic — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cindy Tofthagen, PhD — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Katharine E Sheffield, MA, CCRP
- Email: Sheffield.Katharine@mayo.edu
- Phone: 904-953-3972
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.