Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Grief in Family Caregivers
Official title: Accelerated Resolution Therapy for Early Maladaptive Grief: A Clinical Trial
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT05624879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 440 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Phoenix, Arizona and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 17, 2023 |
| Main results expected | March 14, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 14, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05624879 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Preliminary trials have shown promising results for ART in treating maladaptive grief, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Self-affirmation and heart responses during grief
This trial will test whether a brief self-affirmation exercise helps adults grieving a recent loss have calmer heart and blood pressure responses during and after recalling their loss.
-
ACT for people with MNCD and their care partners (dyadic therapy)
This study tests a dyadic Acceptance Commitment Therapy approach to help adults with mild neurocognitive disorder or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners.
-
Walk With Me for Perinatal Grief
A mobile app-based program (Along With Me) with or without a Peer Guide is tested to see if it lowers posttraumatic stress and suicidal thoughts in bereaved parents after pregnancy or early infant loss.
-
Training behavioral health technicians to improve mental health support for military personnel
This study is testing whether giving special training to behavioral health technicians can help active-duty airmen feel better and manage stress more effectively compared to those who get care from untrained technicians.
-
Support for families grieving an overdose loss
This project will test a peer-led grief support program called RIVER to help adults who lost a loved one to an unintentional drug overdose within the past year.
-
Nature-based guided meditation to support people grieving a loved one with cancer
This program will try short, easy nature-based guided meditations to help adults who lost a family member or friend to cancer cope with grief during the first six months after the death.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.