2.3 Normal Grief and Bereavement vs. Prolonged Grief Disorder

Normal Grief and Bereavement vs. Prolonged Grief Disorder

• In prolonged grief disorder, the emotional disturbance causes clinically significant distress and impairment at least 12 months after the death.
• In prolonged grief disorder, there can be identity disruption of the bereaved individual.
• In normal grief and bereavement, there is not a significant and sustained disruption in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.

American Psychiatric Association, 2022