Death & Grief Flashcards
Define Bereavement
Situation in which someone who is close dies
Define Grief
natural response to bereavement
Define Complicated Grief
Form of acute grief that is usually prolonged, intense, and disabling
Define Mourning
Process of adapting to a loss & integrating grief
Hallmark of Grief
Intense focus on thoughts & memories of the deceased person, accompanied by sadness and yearning
Non-bereavement Losses
Separation through divorce Pet Job Property Community
Symptoms of Grief due to Separation Distress
Yearning for & seeking proximity to the deceased
Loneliness
Crying, sadness, and other painful emotion
Somatic symptoms
Hallucinations of deceased person
Symptoms of Grief due to a Trauma/Stress Reaction
Disbelief & shock
Numbness
Impaired attention, concentration, or memory
Other Symptoms of Grief
Difficult to feel connected & withdraw
Transiently wish they had died with their loved one or instead of deceased
Thoughts & images of the deceased occur frequently
Grief Course
Time-limited
Adapting occurs within 6 months
Restoration of ongoing life within 6-12 months
Can return for “big” events
Types of Bereavement Loss
Type of relationship lost (survival guilt)
Sudden lost (homicide/suicide)
Chronic illness
Terminal illness
Associated Psychotherapy to Bereavement
Major depression Anxiety disorder PTSD Suicidality Other mental disorders (sleep, somatoform, substance, eating) Complicated grief
Management of Grief & Bereavement
Summon families prior to expected death
Grief counseling
Support from family, friends, & clergy
Remind family to maintain regular patterns of activity, sleep, exercise, & nutrition
Send condolence letter
Risk Factors for Complicated Grief
Older age (>61) Female Low SES Non-Caucasion Prior psych history Death of spouse, child, young person Sudden death
Acute Grief Clinical Features
Separation distress
Inhibition exploration of the world
Traumatic distress
Complicated Grief Clinical Features
Maladaptive rumination about circumstances of the death
Intense emotional and/or physical reactions
Dysfunctional behaviors
Inadequate regulation of emotions
Most Common Symptoms of Complicated Grief
Yearning
Feeling upset by memories of deceased
Risk of Suicidality in Complicated Grief
Greater number of years elapsed since death
Depression & anxiety
Adverse Consequences of Complicated Grief
Increase use of ETOH & tobacco
Poor QOL
General medical illness & suicide