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Mental Health Friday 2024-04-05

On Mental Health Friday, we post, in alphabetical order, one per week, information on mental health disorders. Mental Health Friday is for informational purposes only, and is in no way meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do not self diagnose and seek professional help for what ails you.

Link:  FindTreatment.gov is an online source of information for persons seeking substance use and/or mental health treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories.

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Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (Complicated grief disorder)

Editorial Team

Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD), also known as Complicated Grief Disorder (CGD), is a psychological condition characterized by an intense and prolonged grief reaction following the loss of a loved one or significant attachment figure. Unlike normal grief, which typically lessens in intensity over time as the individual adjusts to the loss, PCBD involves a persistent and debilitating state of mourning that interferes with daily functioning and well-being.

Criteria for Diagnosis:

To be diagnosed with PCBD, individuals must meet specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):

1. Experiencing the death of a loved one: The individual must have experienced the death of a close family member or significant other.
2. Persistent and intense grief: The grief reaction is more intense, prolonged, and debilitating than what is considered typical. Symptoms may include intense longing or yearning for the deceased, intense emotional pain, preoccupation with thoughts or memories of the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, and a sense of disbelief or numbness.
3. Duration of symptoms: Symptoms must persist for at least 12 months following the death (although this criterion may be waived for children and adolescents).
4. Significant impairment: The grief reaction significantly impairs the individual’s social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
5. Exclusion of other disorders: The symptoms cannot be better explained by another mental disorder, such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or separation anxiety disorder.

Symptoms and Features:

PCBD is characterized by a range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms, which may include:

1. Intense emotional pain: Persistent feelings of sadness, despair, guilt, anger, or hopelessness related to the loss.
2. Preoccupation with the deceased: Constantly thinking about the deceased loved one, longing to be reunited with them, or feeling as if life is meaningless without them.
3. Difficulty accepting the death: Persistent disbelief or denial of the reality of the loss, feeling as though the loved one is still alive or will return.
4. Avoidance of reminders: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the individual of the deceased, which may contribute to social withdrawal or isolation.
5. Identity disturbance: Feeling as though part of one’s identity or sense of self has been lost with the death of the loved one.
6. Difficulty moving forward: Feeling stuck in the grieving process, unable to find meaning or purpose in life without the deceased.
7. Impairment in functioning: Difficulty maintaining relationships, fulfilling work or academic responsibilities, or engaging in activities of daily living due to the intensity of grief symptoms.
8. Psychological distress: Symptoms may lead to significant psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
9. Physical symptoms: Some individuals may experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, or changes in appetite.

Risk Factors:

Several factors may increase the risk of developing PCBD, including:

• Nature of the relationship: The closeness and significance of the relationship with the deceased can influence the intensity of grief.
• Circumstances of death: Sudden, unexpected, or traumatic deaths may increase the risk of developing complicated grief.
• Lack of social support: Inadequate support from family, friends, or community may exacerbate feelings of isolation and distress.
• Past experiences with loss: Individuals who have experienced multiple losses or traumatic events may be more susceptible to complicated grief.
• Psychological vulnerabilities: Individuals with a history of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, may be at higher risk.

Treatment:

Treatment for PCBD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Some common approaches include:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT aims to help individuals identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to grief. Techniques such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy may be used to address avoidance behaviors and facilitate acceptance of the loss.
2. Complicated grief therapy (CGT): CGT is a specialized form of therapy designed specifically for individuals with PCBD. It focuses on helping individuals process their grief, make meaning of the loss, and reengage with life.
3. Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with PCBD.
4. Support groups: Joining a support group for individuals who have experienced similar losses can provide validation, empathy, and coping strategies.
5. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote emotional regulation.

Prognosis:

Without appropriate treatment, PCBD can persist for many years and significantly impair an individual’s quality of life. However, with timely intervention and support, most individuals with PCBD can experience improvements in their symptoms and functioning over time. The prognosis may vary depending on factors such as the individual’s level of social support, coping skills, and the nature of the loss. Early recognition and intervention are key to facilitating recovery and preventing long-term complications associated with complicated grief. Nothing herein is intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please do your research and seek professional advice before using any information.

FindTreatment.gov is an online source of information for persons seeking substance use and/or mental health treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories.