Traumatic grief

Traumatic Grief

Traumatic grief or complicated grief is a severe and long-lasting form of grief that takes hold of a person's life and does not let go. It is a condition that occurs when normal grief and bereavement responses are complicated by trauma. This can occur when the death of a loved one is sudden, unexpected, or accompanied by violent circumstances.

Definition

Traumatic grief is characterized by the intensity and longevity of the bereaved's reaction to the loss. This reaction is often complicated by the circumstances surrounding the death, such as violence, accident, or disaster. The bereaved may experience intense feelings of guilt, disbelief, and anger, and may have difficulty accepting the loss.

Symptoms

Symptoms of traumatic grief may include persistent and intrusive thoughts about the death, avoidance of reminders of the deceased, intense emotional pain, and a sense of unreality about the death. The bereaved may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, flashbacks, and heightened arousal.

Treatment

Treatment for traumatic grief typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in helping individuals to confront and process their grief. Medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used to help manage symptoms.

See also

• Grief
• Bereavement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

External links

• National Institute of Mental Health - Information on traumatic grief
• American Psychological Association - Resources on coping with grief and loss