The many faces of depression following spousal bereavement

Zisook, Sidney; Paulus, Martin P.; Shuchter, Stephen R.; Judd, Lewis L.

doi:10.1016/s0165-0327(97)00062-1

Cited by 146 publications

(108 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This is neither rare, nor does it indicate pathology but, in fact, healthy adjustment. For instance, in a study by Zisook et al (1997) that examined various levels of depression amongst bereaved spouses, around half of the sample did not experience even mild depression.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social workers, resilience, positive emotions and optimism

Collins¹

2007

Practice

109

101

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Literature on stress and social work emphasises the importance of the structural and organisational context for social work. Less attention has been given to differences between social workers that enable them to deal with demands and find satisfaction and rewards in their work. Literature drawn from psychology can offer some guidance to social workers, focusing on resilience, positive emotion and optimism. A great deal has been written about resilience, children and young people; much less about resilience, adults and social workers. Resilience is an adaptive state and personality trait evident in many people, including social workers, but it is influenced by many variables, such as culture. Positive emotions amidst negative events are further important elements in the psychological resilience of, and coping by, social workers. Three kinds of coping relating to positive affect have been identified: positive appraisal, goal-directed/problemfocused work and the infusion of ordinary events with meaning. Their implications for social work are explored. Optimism is another important personality difference that is significant in social workers' helping endeavours. Recent research on, and criticisms of, optimism are noted. There are important implications related to resilience, positive emotions and optimism for the selection of social work students, the development of social workers' knowledge and understanding of these topics, and for the support of social workers in their daily work.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social workers, resilience, positive emotions and optimism

Collins¹

2007

Practice

109

101

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“…Furthermore, it is generally assumed that those mental disorders associated with bereavement, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders, can be adequately treated in many cases with psychological and pharmacological interventions. And, most importantly, the severity of mental health problems in the initial period after the loss will significantly determine the eventual outcome of the bereavement process (Zisook & Shuchter, 1991Zisook, Paulus, Shuchter, & Judd, 1997 it is important to be aware of the potential development of a mental disorder so that the widowed can have access to the help they might need. Adequate knowledge of the prevalence and incidence of mental disorders accompanying bereavement is necessary to provide adequate care for those who need it.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mood and anxiety disorders in widowhood: A systematic review

Onrust

Cuijpers

2006

Aging & Mental Health

144

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The association between widowhood and mental health problems, such as depressive symptomatology and anxiety, has been examined extensively. Few studies, however, have explored the prevalence and incidence of mood and anxiety disorders based on diagnostic criteria after the loss of the partner. We conducted a systematic review, and searched major bibliographical databases for studies examining mood and anxiety disorders in widowhood. We included all studies examining the prevalence or incidence of mood and anxiety disorders in the widowed, according to diagnostic criteria as assessed with a structured diagnostic interview. Eleven studies were identified, exploring the prevalence and incidence of mood and anxiety disorders in 3481 widowed individuals and 4685 non-widowed controls. As expected, the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders were considerably elevated in widowed individuals, especially in the first year after the loss of a spouse. During the first year of bereavement, almost 22% of the widowed were diagnosed as having MDD; almost 12% met diagnostic criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and there were higher risks of Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The incidence rate of MDD and several anxiety disorders ranged from 0.08-0.50. The relative risk of developing a mood or anxiety disorder ranged from 3.49-9.76, in the widowed, compared to control subjects.

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“…However, even relatively mild depressive episodes are clinically significant. 6 Moreover, when someone is struggling to come to terms with a difficult loss, even a mild MDD can impede healing.…”

Section: Small 'D' Vs Big 'D' Depressionmentioning

confidence: 99%