Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention

Harleah G Buck; Paula Cairns; Nnadozie Emechebe; Diego F Hernandez; Tina M Mason; Jesse Bell; Kevin E Kip; Philip Barrison; Cindy Tofthagen

doi:10.1177/1049909119900641

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Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention

Harleah G Buck, Paula Cairns, Nnadozie Emechebe, Diego F Hernandez, Tina M Mason, Jesse Bell, Kevin E Kip, Philip Barrison and Cindy Tofthagen

American journal of hospice & palliative medicine, Vol.37(10), pp.791-799

10/01/2020

DOI: 10.1177/1049909119900641

PMCID: PMC8168719

PMID: 31960705

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/8168719View

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Abstract

Complicated grief (CG) is severe, prolonged (>12 months) grieving. Complicated grief disproportionately affects older adults and is associated with negative physical/psychological effects. Although treatment options exist, those which do are time-intensive. We report on a randomized clinical trial (RCT) which examined whether accelerated resolution therapy (ART), a novel mind-body therapy, is effective in treating CG, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression among hospice informal caregivers. Prospective 2 group, wait-listed RCT. All participants were scheduled to receive 4 ART sessions. ≥60 years, inventory of CG >25, and PTSD checklist for >33 or Psychiatric Diagnostic Screen Questionnaire PTSD subscale >5. Major psychiatric disorder, other current psychotherapy treatment. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 54 participants was 68.7 (7.2) years, 85% female, and 93% white. Participants assigned to ART reported significantly greater mean (SD) CG reduction (-22.8 [10.3]) versus Wait-list participants (-4.3 [6.0]). Within-participant effect sizes (ESs) for change from baseline to 8-week post-treatment were CG (ES = 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45-2.47; < .0001), PTSD (ES = 2.40 [95% CI: 1.79-3.00]; < .0001), depression (ES = 1.63 [95% CI: 1.18-2.08; < .0001). Treatment effects did not substantially differ by baseline symptom levels. Results suggests that ART presents an effective and less time-intensive intervention for CG in older adults. However, it should undergo further effectiveness testing in a larger, more diverse clinical trial with a focus on determining physiological or behavioral mechanisms of action.

Caregivers

Grief

Psychotherapy

Aged

Female

Humans

Male

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy

Surveys and Questionnaires

Details

Title: Subtitle: Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Complicated Grief Intervention
Creators: Harleah G Buck - University of South Florida
Paula Cairns - University of South Florida
Nnadozie Emechebe - University of South Florida
Diego F Hernandez - Center For Balanced Living
Tina M Mason - Moffitt Cancer Center
Jesse Bell - University of South Florida
Kevin E Kip - University of South Florida
Philip Barrison - University of South Florida
Cindy Tofthagen - Mayo Clinic in Florida
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: American journal of hospice & palliative medicine, Vol.37(10), pp.791-799
DOI: 10.1177/1049909119900641
PMID: 31960705
PMCID: PMC8168719
NLM abbreviation: Am J Hosp Palliat Care
ISSN: 1049-9091
eISSN: 1938-2715
Grant note: R21 AG056584 / NIA NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 10/01/2020
Academic Unit: Nursing
Record Identifier: 9984370639102771

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