An Internet-based Self Applied Treatment Program for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

Internet-based Self Applied Treatment Program for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): An Open Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an internet delivered cognitive behavior treatment (ICBT) for people with prolonged grief disorder (PGD) compared to a face-to-face intervention for PGD.

Grief is an intense emotional reaction to the loss of a loved one. It produces feelings of regret and longing that usually decrease over time. However, some people have difficulty adapting to the loss and develop Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). An open clinical trial will be conducted to investigate the feasibility [initial efficacy and acceptability] of an Internet delivered cognitive behavior treatment (ICBT) for adult people diagnosed with prolonged grief disorder (PGD). There will be at least 24 participants that will be randomly assigned to experimental group (internet-based treatment for PGD) or active control group (traditional face- to-face intervention for PGD). Four assessment moments will be included (pre-treatment, post-treatment, 3 months follow-up and 12 months follow-up). The present study aims to improve knowledge about the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an ICBT for PGD and conduct a preliminary comparison between two intervention conditions (internet-based intervention vs. traditional face-to-face intervention). Also, the investigators aim to collect information that can help to improve the efficacy and acceptability of Internet-based interventions in general.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Meeting diagnostic criteria for PGD
• Sign an informed consent
• Ability to understand and read Spanish
• Ability to use a computer and having access to the Internet
• Having an e-mail address

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of risk of suicide or self-destructive behaviors
• Presence of another severe mental disorder (substance abuse or dependence, psychotic disorder, dementia o bipolar disorder)
• Presence of severe personality disorder
• Presence of a medical condition whose severity or characteristics prevent the performance of treatment
• Receiving other psychological treatment during the study for PGD
• An increase and/or change in the medication during the study period