Pilot Study of Behavioral Activation for Prolonged Grief
Completed · Phase 1
Conditions studied: Complicated Grief, Prolonged Grief Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
In brief
The Institute of Medicine identifies Prolonged Grief (PG) as a critical under-addressed public health problem for which are no empirically supported treatments. The purpose of this application is to pilot-test Behavioral Activation (BA) therapy for PG. BA is a well supported, stand alone intervention for depression and recently applied to posttraumatic stress disorder, which reduces rumination and avoidance behaviors that otherwise thwart access to natural rewarding contingencies and resources. The treatment focuses on promoting stable, active routines, self-care behaviors, enhanced self-efficacy, and reengagement with pleasurable activities and significant social resources. Rumination, disengagement, and low self-efficacy are defining features of PG. Further, in response to loss of intimates, the key factors that differentiate resilient people from those that have difficulties adapting is the maintenance or fast resumption of social and occupational functioning. Thus, the main hypothesis of this study is that BA for PG will result in clinically significant reductions in rumination and functional disengagement. This is a preliminary small-scale pilot assessment of potential efficacy and feasibility of completing a large scale study of BA for PG.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT01556048
- Run by
- Anthony Papa
- People needed
- 25
- Starts
- 2009-02-01
- Expected to finish
- 2012-05-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2014-12-02
Who can join
Age: 21 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- meet criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder
- must be 21 years old or older
- if taking psychotropic medication, must have been on a stable dose for three or more months prior to study entry
You may not qualify if…
- presence of active suicidal or homicidal ideation
- a history of psychotic symptoms
- current participation in psychosocial treatment focused on grief symptoms
- active substance abuse
Where it is running
- University of Nevada, Reno — Reno, Nevada, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.