Psychiatric and Behavioral Science Clinical Trials & Research

Many cancer survivors suffer from anxiety. Anxiety may involve feelings of restlessness, muscle tension, and worry. Anxiety has also been linked to poor sleep, depressed mood, and tiredness. Researchers are doing this study to see how music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to reduce anxiety and these other symptoms. Both music therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are routinely used to treat anxiety.

This purpose of this study is to assess two interventions to improve cancer care for older adults with cancer. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two interventions, which each consist of four surveys, five telephone sessions, and four subsequent "booster" calls with a licensed mental health counselor. The five telephone sessions each last about 45-60 minutes; the booster calls each last approximately 20-30 minutes. These surveys will include questions about each patient's illness, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and attitudes about aging and can be done via computer or over the phone. Patients will be compensated for their participation.

The purpose of this study is to compare three types of support for parents who have experienced the death of a child due to cancer. The study team will assess how these different types of support affect participants' grief and depression symptoms. The three types of support parents may receive are called Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy, Supportive Counseling, and Enhanced Usual Care.