CompletedPhase 2

A Study of Medication With or Without Psychotherapy for Complicated Grief

United States395 participantsStarted 2010-03

Plain-language summary

The major goal of this 4-site, double blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial is to assess the efficacy of medication (Citalopram) alone or with psychotherapy (Complicated Grief Therapy) to treat the symptoms of complicated grief.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 95 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Complicated Grief and this is the patient's most important (primary) problem * Ability to give informed consent * Fluent in English * Willingness to have sessions audiotaped * Willingness to undergo random assignment Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of one or more of the following disorders: Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder, current (past 6 months) substance abuse, Bipolar Disorder, current manic episode, Dementia * Pregnant or lactating women and women of childbearing potential not using medically accepted forms of contraception * Acute, unstable or severe medical illness such as (but not limited to) stroke, epilepsy, or other neurodegenerative disorders, metastatic or active cancer, hepatic disease, or primary renal disease requiring dialysis * Prior intolerance of citalopram * Pending or active disability claim or lawsuit related to the death

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Responder Status Based on Complicated Grief Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) Scale

Timeframe: Weeks 12 and 20

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01179568

SponsorNew York State Psychiatric Institute

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-02

Results submitted2016-09-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Complicated Grief trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 95 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.