Bereavement care: some clinical observations

The needs of cancer patients' bereaved carers require attention. Although the majority of bereaved individuals manage to cope with their loss, a minority remain distressed and suffer serious prolonged disruption of their lives. The Yale Bereavement Study has revealed a specific syndrome, prolonged grief disorder. The diagnostic criteria of this disorder are outlined and several clinical illustrations are presented. Preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) can be effective in the management of prolonged grief disorder. An example of the use of CBT is provided together with some useful clinical guidelines.