A Call to the Field: Complicated Grief in the DSM-5

Abstract

While complicated grief has been addressed in part through some recommendations for modifications in the upcoming fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there remain reasons for substantial concern about its scope therein and within clinical practice. The authors issue a call to the field, reiterating that complicated grief is complicated and cannot be confined to just one syndrome or disorder. Continued research is urged, and specific caveats are identified for exploring the complex dimensions of loss and grief. The authors advocate for ongoing dialogue about and investigation of various potential forms of complicated grief.

Diagnostic criteria for complications of bereavement in the DSM-5

“…Rando & Doka et al, agree that attempts to include all forms of complicated grief under a single title is a major error which has hampered the recognition of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) as a distinct syndrome (Rando et al, 2012). Another title for PGD is Traumatic Grief but this term is better reserved for grief that has been triggered by exceptionally traumatic circumstances attending the bereavement and it is complicated by the symptoms of traumatic stress (such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).…”

Profissionais Paliativistas e suas Contribuições na Prevenção de Luto Complicado

“…Disso se destaca a relevância do tema e a necessidade da avaliação psicológica como ferramenta de prevenção para as pessoas enlutadas. Rando et al (2012) seguem a mesma linha de raciocínio e confirmam o que vem sendo discutido neste estudo: 10% a 20% dos casos de luto não segue o curso normal de acomodação da perda, o que acaba por criar transtornos que merecem avaliação clínica (Prigerson, 2004).…”

Sorg som diagnose

“…Det er fortsatt flere spørsmål knyttet til innføringen av en sorgdiagnose, bl.a. hvordan man forholder seg til andre undergrupper av patologisk sorg (22). Hovedvekten har så langt vaert lagt på forlenget sorg med intenst separasjonsubehag, mens andre varianter som traumatisk sorg, der påtrengende minner/tanker fra et dramatisk dødsfall stenger for forløsning av normal sorg, og utsatt eller forsinket sorg ikke anerkjennes på samme måte.…”