TerminatedNot Applicable

Understanding the Role of Sleep in Complicated Grief

Stopped: Due to funding limitations

United States5 participantsStarted 2018-07-02

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to learn more about the causes of Complicated Grief (CG) in those who experience the loss of a loved one. This study aims at learning more about the sleep patterns and emotions in participants with CG as compared to those who have lost a loved one but do not have CG. This study will consist of two aims: Aim 1: Approximately 10 complicated grief (CG) patients and 10 controls (without a current psychiatric diagnosis) will complete a 3-day home polysomnography (PSG) sleep assessment in addition to several self-report sleep and psychiatric measures. Aim 2: Approximately 10 CG patients (subsample from Aim 1) will complete 16 weekly sessions of complicated grief therapy (CGT) in addition to completion of repeated PSG assessments and self-report sleep and psychiatric measures.

Who can participate

Age range

25 Years – 60 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: * Bereaved due to death of a loved one \>= 6 months prior (for both CG and control groups) * For CG participants: grief is primary psychiatric problem with ICG \>= 30 (threshold symptoms; for CG group only). Controls will be free of current psychiatric disorders with the exception of specific phobia. * Normal or corrected vision Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric or sleep medications in the past 4 weeks (past 6 weeks for fluoxetine) * Concurrent grief or exposure based therapy * Lifetime bipolar, psychosis, significant neurological disorders * Past 6 months of alcohol/substance use disorder * Unstable medical illness * Serious safety concerns of suicide or homicide * Pregnant or nursing * Overnight shift work * \> 4 caffeinated or \> 11 alcoholic beverages per week * Screening reveals OSA defined as an apnea hypopnea index with 4% desaturation (AHI4%) ≥15 or an AHI4% ≥ with an Epworth \>10

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

Clinical Global Impression Scales

Timeframe: 16 Weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03533465

SponsorNYU Langone Health

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-03-25

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