Prolonged grief: setting the research agenda.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Grief Research

Background:

• Prolonged grief disorder is a proposed diagnosis for the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
• This diagnosis was previously rejected for inclusion in the DSM-5.
• Understanding and diagnosing prolonged grief disorder remains an evolving area in mental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current findings related to prolonged grief disorder.
• To identify critical areas for future research from a lifespan perspective.
• To inform the development and implementation of diagnostic criteria and interventions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on prolonged grief disorder.
• Analysis of findings from a lifespan developmental viewpoint.
• Identification of research gaps and future directions.

Main Results:

• Development and psychometric evaluation of measures for prolonged grief disorder are essential.
• Specific attention is required for assessment in children and adolescents.
• Treatments need adaptation for diverse subgroups.
• Dissemination of research findings into professional settings is paramount.

Conclusions:

• Further research is vital for the validation and application of prolonged grief disorder diagnosis.
• Tailored interventions and accessible measurement tools are necessary across the lifespan.
• Integrating research into clinical practice will improve care for individuals with prolonged grief.