[Complex grief: Cause of death is of influence]

Current theories of grief assume that surviving relatives have to carry out a number of grief-related tasks after the loss of a loved one. If these tasks cannot be carried out properly and the intensity of the emotional pain does not decrease over time, we speak of complicated grief. Non-natural causes of death, such as suicide, violence, accidents or disasters, are associated with increased risk of complicated grief. The effects of euthanasia on surviving relatives are still unknown in this context. Social support may help with the grieving process. Psychological treatment of people with complicated grief symptoms is effective in many cases. Attention for complicated grief in surviving relatives, especially in cases of suicide and other non-natural causes of death, is of great importance in view of timely referral and treatment.