Resiliency Intervention for ALS
(RT-ALS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new program called Resilient Together ALS, designed to help people recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their primary caregivers build coping and resiliency skills. The goal is to reduce emotional stress and maintain quality of life as ALS progresses. Participants will engage in six short sessions with a clinical psychologist to learn these skills. Ideal candidates are those recently diagnosed with ALS at the Healey Center and living with a caregiver who feels emotionally stressed. As an unphased trial, this study offers patients a unique opportunity to access innovative support strategies early.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for ALS patients and their caregivers?
Research shows that the Resilient Together ALS program supports people with ALS and their caregivers by helping them manage the emotional and practical challenges of the disease. A clinical psychologist leads the program, focusing on teaching coping and resilience-building skills.
Past studies indicate that this type of program carries no known risks or negative effects. It involves no drugs or medical procedures, only sessions to support emotional well-being. As a result, the program is safe and well-tolerated by participants. Those who join are likely to receive positive support without major safety concerns.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Most treatments for ALS focus on managing symptoms with medications like Riluzole or Edaravone. However, the Resilient Together ALS intervention is unique because it provides coping and resiliency skills through structured sessions with a clinical psychologist. This approach is tailored specifically for dyads, meaning both the ALS patient and a partner or caregiver participate. By teaching practical skills to handle emotional and psychological challenges, this intervention aims to reduce emotional distress and improve the quality of life as ALS progresses. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it addresses the emotional well-being of both the patient and their support system, which is often overlooked in traditional ALS care.
What evidence suggests that this intervention is effective for ALS?
Research shows that the "Resilient Together ALS" program, offered to participants in this trial, supports people with ALS and their caregivers by teaching coping and resilience-building skills. Early results suggest that similar programs have successfully reduced emotional distress and improved quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The program includes sessions with a psychologist focused on managing stress and preventing long-term distress. Although specific data on "Resilient Together ALS" remains limited, evidence from similar programs is promising for improving mental health for those affected by ALS.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Christina Rush, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals recently diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and their primary informal caregivers. It aims to help them cope better emotionally.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in 6 sessions of a resiliency and coping intervention delivered over Zoom
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Resilient Together ALS
Trial Overview
The 'Resilient Together ALS' program, a resiliency and coping intervention, is being tested to see if it can support patients with ALS and their caregivers.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Dyads will participate in 6 30-45-minute skills based sessions. A clinical psychologist will deliver all sessions. The main intervention goal is to provide dyads with coping and resiliency skills and resources to reduce emotional distress, prevent chronic distress, and preserve quality of life for both dyad members as ALS progresses.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Resilient together-ALS: leveraging the NDD ...
An evidence-based early dyadic psychosocial intervention, Recovering Together, for the unique needs of people with ALS and their care-partners.
Resiliency Intervention for Patients With ALS and Their ...
The purpose of this study is to pilot a resiliency and coping intervention for persons recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their ...
Improving Psychosocial Interventions for Patients with ...
Resilient Together - ALS is an early dyadic psychosocial intervention designed to address the unique needs of people with ALS and their care-partners.
Resilient together-ALS: leveraging the NDD ...
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a psychological intervention in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, consisting of four semi ...
Psychosocial interventions for people with amyotrophic lateral ...
This review aims to inform healthcare practitioners, researchers, and policymakers about the current state of psychosocial interventions for ALS ...
Health-related quality of life across disease stages in ...
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by a rapid disease course, with disease severity being associated with declining health- ...
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