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Comparison of two diagnostic systems for Complicated Grief
Simon Forstmeier1, Andreas Maercker
1Department of Psychology, Psychopathology and Clinical Intervention, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestr. 14/17, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland. s.forstmeier@psychologie.unizh.ch
Journal of Affective Disorders
|October 24, 2006
Summary
This study compared two diagnostic systems for Complicated Grief (CG) in elderly individuals. The Horowitz criteria identified a higher prevalence of CG (4.2%) compared to Prigerson criteria (0.9%), with poor agreement between the two systems.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Two primary diagnostic systems exist for Complicated Grief (CG).
- Limited data available on CG prevalence in representative samples.
- This study aimed to compare existing diagnostic systems for CG.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare diagnostic systems for Complicated Grief (CG).
- Assess prevalence rates and conditional probabilities of CG.
- Evaluate agreement between diagnostic systems.
Main Methods:
- Assessed bereavement features and CG diagnoses in an elderly sample.
- Utilized screening instruments for psychopathology assessment.
- Determined agreement between diagnostic systems using kappa statistics.
Main Results:
- 18.9% of the sample experienced major bereavement.
- Prevalence rates for CG were 4.2% (Horowitz et al.) and 0.9% (Prigerson et al.).
- Poor agreement (kappa=.13) observed between the two diagnostic systems.
Conclusions:
- Horowitz criteria are more inclusive than Prigerson criteria.
- Findings are limited to an elderly, urban population.
- Further research needed for international standardization of CG diagnostic criteria.
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