Prolonged Grief Disorder

Prolonged Grief Disorder: Awareness, Causes, Symptoms And Signs

“Deep grief sometimes is almost like a specific location, a coordinate on a map of time. When you are standing in that forest of sorrow, you cannot imagine that you could ever find your way to a better place. But if someone can assure you that they themselves have stood in that same place, and now have moved on, sometimes this will bring hope”― Elizabeth Gilbert

Prolonged Grief

"Prolonged grief, also known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder, is a specific form of grief that persists for an extended period and significantly impairs an individual's functioning and well-being. It is a condition where the process of mourning and adjusting to the loss becomes prolonged and complicated. Here are some key points to understand about prolonged grief:

1. Definition: Prolonged grief is characterized by intense and persistent symptoms of grief lasting for at least six months or longer after the loss. These symptoms may include persistent yearning, intense sadness, preoccupation with the deceased, difficulty accepting the loss, feelings of emptiness, and difficulty engaging in daily activities or forming new relationships.

2. Risk factors: Prolonged grief can affect anyone who has experienced a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, but certain factors may increase the risk. These can include a close or dependent relationship with the deceased, sudden or unexpected loss, a history of mental health conditions, lack of social support, or previous experiences of trauma or loss.

3. Differentiation from normal grief: While grief is a natural response to loss, prolonged grief goes beyond the normal grieving process. It is characterized by the persistence and severity of symptoms, which can significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being.

4. Impact on mental and physical health: Prolonged grief can have a significant impact on a person's mental and physical health. It may lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, impaired immune function, and increased risk of medical conditions like cardiovascular disease. It can also affect relationships, work or school performance, and overall quality of life.

5. Diagnosis and treatment: Prolonged grief is recognized as a specific mental health condition. A diagnosis is typically made by a mental health professional based on specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Treatment may involve various approaches, including psychotherapy, support groups, medication (in some cases), and other interventions aimed at helping individuals process their grief, adapt to the loss, and regain functioning and well-being.

6. Seeking support: If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged grief, it is essential to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as therapists, psychologists, or counselors, can provide specialized support and guidance in navigating the grieving process. Support groups and community resources can also offer valuable support and connection with others who have experienced similar losses.

Remember that grief is a unique and individual process, and there is no set timeline for healing. However, if you or someone you know is struggling with persistent and impairing grief, it is important to seek help and support. Mental health professionals can provide an appropriate diagnosis and recommend effective interventions to address prolonged grief and promote healing." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Complicated Grief: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Assessment and Diagnosis PDF Download

Complicated Grief, Symptoms and Causes Mayo Clinic

Diagnostic and Clinical Considerations in Prolonged Grief Disorder NIH

Diagnosis of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) Oxford Academic

Grief Counseling: How It Works, Benefits And More Forbes

Grief and Mourning gone awry: Pathway and Course of Complicated Grief Taylor & Francis

The Five Stages of Grief: An Examination of the Kubler-Ross Model PSYCOM

How to spot the Red Flags of Complicated Grief Disorder White River Manor

Grief: Different Reactions and Timelines in the Aftermath of Loss US Department of Veterans Affairs

New Paths for people with Prolonged Grief Disorder American Psychological Association

Management of Bereavement and Grief in Adults UpToDate

Predictors of Prolonged Grief Disorder in a German Representative Population Sample: Unexpectedness of Bereavement Contributes to Grief Severity and Prolonged Grief Disorder Frontiers in Psychiatry

Prolonged Grief as a Disease? Springer Link

'Prolonged Grief Disorder' Is Now an Official Mental Health Condition - These Are the Symptoms to Know  Health

“Prolonged Grief Disorder” and “persistent Complex bereavement Disorder”, but not “Complicated Grief”, are one and the same Diagnostic Entity: An Analysis of data from the Yale Bereavement Study World Psychiatry 

Prolonged Grief Disorder: Mental Health Experts Identify the Signs Healthline

Prolonged Grief Disorder in Adults: Treatment UpToDate

The Profound Sadness of Prolonged Grief Harvard Medicine

The Columbia Center for Complicated Grief Center Columbia University

 

Treating Complicated Grief Open Arms

Uncomplicated Bereavement & Prolonged Grief Disorder DSM-5 : Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Thrive Works

When Grief Gets Stuck: Information & Resources on Complicated Grief John Bristol Therapy

What Distinguishes Prolonged Grief Disorder from Depression? TidtssKriftet

What Is Prolonged Grief Disorder? WebMD

What is Complicated Grief? A Short Introduction - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources