Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment for Prolonged Grief Disorder
(F-PGT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new method to help families cope with prolonged grief after losing a parent to suicide. It tests Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT), which enhances existing grief therapy techniques by involving both parents and children in online sessions. The goal is to better support children aged 8-14 and their caregivers in managing ongoing grief. Families who lost a parent to suicide over a year ago and have children struggling deeply with grief may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, it offers families a unique opportunity to access innovative support strategies tailored to their needs.
What prior data suggests that Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT) is safe for families?
Research has shown that prolonged grief therapy (PGT) effectively treats adults with prolonged grief disorder (PGD), helping those with intense, long-lasting grief. The Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT) adapts this therapy for families, including children aged 8-14. Although specific safety data for F-PGT is unavailable, the original PGT has been used safely and effectively in adults. This suggests that F-PGT, based on this proven method, is likely safe for families. Additionally, therapy sessions are held online, offering a more comfortable and less stressful experience for participants.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT) because it offers a new approach to addressing Prolonged Grief Disorder by involving the entire family in the healing process. Unlike traditional individual therapies, F-PGT provides 16 online sessions that engage family members, aiming to create a supportive environment that can foster collective healing. This method is particularly promising because it acknowledges the interconnected nature of family dynamics in grief, potentially leading to more comprehensive and lasting improvements for those affected.
What evidence suggests that F-PGT might be an effective treatment for prolonged grief disorder?
Research has shown that prolonged grief therapy (PGT) helps adults struggling with prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Studies have found that PGT can lessen feelings of grief, depression, and PTSD. In this trial, participants will receive Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT), a version of PGT tailored to support families, including children aged 8-14, after the loss of a parent. Similar programs to F-PGT have demonstrated lasting benefits, such as fewer mental health problems and improved coping skills in grieving families. This suggests that F-PGT could effectively help families deal with prolonged grief after a parent's suicide.36789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nadine A Melhem, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
M. Katherine Shear, MD
Principal Investigator
Columbia University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for families who have lost a parent to suicide at least one year ago and are dealing with prolonged grief. It's specifically designed for those with children between the ages of 8-14. The therapy sessions will be conducted virtually, so participants need to have access to the necessary technology.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline assessments to confirm eligibility and gather initial data
Treatment
Participants receive 16 virtual sessions of Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT)
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- F-PGT
Trial Overview
The trial is testing Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT), which is an adaptation of Prolonged Grief Therapy (PGT) aimed at helping both adults and their children cope with grief after losing a family member to suicide.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Eligible families will receive 16 online sessions of Family-Prolonged Grief Treatment (F-PGT).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
Columbia University
Collaborator
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Collaborator
Citations
Long-term Effects of the Family Bereavement Program (FBP ...
FBP reduced mental health problems, prolonged grief and alcohol abuse and increased coping efficacy of spousally-bereaved parents six years later.
Treatments for Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Systematic ...
The primary outcome was reduction in PGD symptoms, while the secondary outcomes were reduction in symptoms of depression and PTSD. The search ...
Challenges in Grief-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy ...
Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) involves grief reactions that are persistent, intense, and emotionally painful. PGD affects between 7–10% of bereaved people ( ...
Prolonged Grief Disorder: Course, Diagnosis, Assessment, ...
Overall, these trials have demonstrated efficacy of CGT as a gold-standard intervention for individuals with prolonged grief disorder.
Prolonged grief disorder
Prolonged grief disorder is associated with various poor outcomes, including negative health outcomes (eg, high blood pressure), increased ...
F-PGT - Prolonged Grief Treatment for Families Affected by ...
This pilot open trial is being done to better understand the needs of families who have lost a parent to suicide at least a year ago and who ...
Prolonged Grief Disorder: Course, Diagnosis, Assessment, ...
This review provides an overview of the course of grief and describes risk factors for developing prolonged grief disorder.
Treating Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Randomized Clinical ...
Grief-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating PGD. Although treatments for PGD have focused on exposure therapy.
Prolonged grief disorder
The proliferation of diagnoses risks pathologising the human experience, leading to misdiagnosis, increased medical treatment, and disregard for ...
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