RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

People Bereaved by Violent Death : Negative Event Biases and Temporal Perception

This study is for people who have experienced the violent death of a close family member. Violent deaths are often sudden, shocking, and caused by external events like accidents or suicide. Losing someone this way can be very difficult and can sometimes lead to mental health challenges like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers want to understand why some people are more likely to develop these problems. They believe it might have something to do with how the brain processes thoughts and feelings after such a traumatic event. This study will look at early brain responses and thinking patterns to see if they can predict who might need extra support in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hôpital le Vinatier

Enrolment target

Start

19 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

What is this study about?

If you've lost someone close to you through a violent death, like an accident, suicide, or homicide, you might know how incredibly tough and unexpected it can be. This type of loss is different from other bereavements because of its suddenness and often brutal nature. Because of this, it can sometimes lead to more complicated feelings and health issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Doctors and scientists want to understand more about *why* this happens. While we know that some people are at higher risk, we don't fully understand the early brain processes and thinking patterns that might contribute to these difficulties. Most research so far has looked at general factors like age or background, but this study aims to dive deeper into what's happening in the brain.

This research will look at how your brain pays attention to things and how it experiences time after a violent loss. We believe that certain brain responses, which we can measure, might show early signs of future problems like PTSD or depression. By studying these early signs, we hope to learn how to identify people who might need help sooner, so they can get the right support before more serious problems develop. Ultimately, this could lead to better ways to help people cope and heal after such a difficult experience.

Key takeaways

The study explores how the brain reacts to violent loss.
It aims to understand why some people develop depression or PTSD.
Involves non-invasive brain measurements and computer tasks.
Could help identify people who need support sooner.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Only for adults aged 18-65 who recently lost a close relative to violent death.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. To take part, you must have recently experienced the violent death of an immediate family member, such as a parent, sibling, child, or grandparent.

However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you're unable to speak French, as the study materials are in French. You also can't participate if you have certain existing brain conditions or if you've recently been diagnosed with a mental health condition that requires changes to your medication.

Finally, if you've been taking certain calming medications (like benzodiazepines) in the 24 hours before your first visit, you won't be able to start the study at that time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Have you recently lost a parent, sibling, child, or grandparent to a violent death?
Do you speak French?
Have you been diagnosed with any existing brain conditions?
Have you recently had changes to medication for a mental health condition?
Have you taken certain calming medications (like benzodiazepines) in the last 24 hours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves a few visits where researchers will measure your brain activity using a special cap with sensors on your head (this is called an electroencephalogram, or EEG, and it’s painless). You'll also complete some tasks on a computer that look at how you pay attention and how you perceive time. There might be some questionnaires to fill out about your feelings and experiences. The total duration of your participation will be explained in detail by the study team, including any follow-up visits or assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information we gather could help future patients by leading to better support for people coping with violent loss. There are minimal risks involved, mainly the time commitment and potentially feeling emotional when discussing your experiences, though researchers will provide support. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hopital Vinatier
Verified postcode
Bron, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'violent death' in this study?

It means a death that is sudden, unexpected and caused by outside events, like an accident, suicide, or homicide.

What is PTSD?

PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's an anxiety condition that can develop after experiencing very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

What does a 'neurocognitive' study mean?

It means the study is looking at how your brain processes thoughts and information, and how that affects your behaviour.

Do I have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. However, if you are currently taking certain medications, it might affect your eligibility.

Will I be compensated for taking part?

Details about compensation, if any, will be discussed by the research team if you are eligible and interested in participating.

How to find out more

Laurene LESTIENNE

laurene.lestienne@ch-le-vinatier.fr 0033437915120 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.