A pilot neuroimaging study of adults with prolonged grief disorder (PGD) compared to bereaved controls after death of a spouse or parent

Are you eligible to participate in this study?

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions:
    Prolonged Grief Disorder
  • Age: Between 40 Year(s) - 65 Year(s)
  • Gender: Male or Female
  • Other Inclusion Criteria:
    Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) group
    1. Loss of a spouse or parent in the past 1 to 3 years (with baseline scheduled at least 2 weeks after an anniversary date)
    2. Meets DSM5 criteria for prolonged grief disorder
    3. Current yearning score at least 2 on PG13-R item
    4. Grief is the primary current problem and source of distress
    5. Willing and able to provide informed consent
    Bereaved Control Group
    1. Loss of a spouse or parent in the past 1 to 3 years (with baseline scheduled at least 2 weeks after an anniversary date)
    2. Does not meet DSM5 criteria for prolonged grief disorder
    3. Current yearning score at least 2 on PG13-R item
    4. No DSM5 psychiatric diagnosis in past 6 months with exception of specific phobia
    5. Willing and able to provide informed consent

You may not be eligible for this study if the following are true:

    1. A lifetime history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, or delusional disorders; neurocognitive disorders, intellectual disabilities, communication disorders or other cognitive dysfunction that could interfere with capacity to complete study procedures; moderate or severe substance or alcohol use disorder (other than nicotine) in the last 6 months
    2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score <24, current
    3. Those who are currently using benzodiazepines
    4. Participants with significant suicidal ideation (assessed by C-SSRS SI score greater than 3, administered in clinic) or who have enacted suicidal behaviors within 6 months prior to intake will be excluded and referred for appropriate clinical intervention
    5. Unstable medical issues expected to require inpatient hospitalization or surgical procedures in the next month
    6. Left-handed
    7. Participants with a history of head trauma causing loss of consciousness, seizure or ongoing cognitive impairment
    8. Contraindications for MRI including metal implants, surgical clips, probability of metal fragments, or braces that are prohibited due to severe risk of injury
    9. Inability to understand study procedures or informed consent process, or significant personality dysfunction likely to interfere with study participation (assessed during the clinical interview) or inability to comply with study procedures assessed on clinical interview
    10. Employees or students of NYULMC



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