Prolongedgriefdisorder is defined by profound and debilitating feelings of loss.
The condition has also been referred to as complicated, traumatic, chronic, or pathological grief.
The hallmarks of prolonged grief include significant emotional distress and changes to a person’s level of functioning.
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This article discusses prolonged grief disorder, as well as its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
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What Is Prolonged Grief Disorder?
Prolonged grief can be incapacitating.
Complicated grief can impact a person’s life in a variety of ways.
It can feel all-consuming and come to the surface many times a day.
What Causes Prolonged Grief Disorder?
The circumstances by which we lose a person can contribute to the intense and long-lasting emotions of prolonged grief.
Some factors that may influence the grief process include culture, religion, age, or gender.
This is when grief becomes complicated or prolonged.
Learning to take care of yourself as you grieve is essential.
If you are havingsuicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
They will conduct an evaluation by asking about symptoms you’re experiencing and how you’re managing.
Anyone can experience prolonged grief.
If you are struggling, getting professional support can be helpful.
An estimated 10% of adults who have lost someone will experience prolonged grief disorder.
Additionally, the participants noted an increase in their psychological well-being and social functioning.
CBT for insomnia focuses on sleep hygiene, reframing thoughts about sleep, and controlling stimulating inputs before sleep.
Support Groups
Support groups can also be useful to those experiencing grief.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Other psychotherapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, can also be effective.
Summary
Prolonged grief is a new DSM-5 diagnosis that refers to the preoccupation with a deceased person.
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American Psychiatric Association.APA offers tips for understanding prolonged grief disorder.
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