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Diagnostic criteria for complicated grief disorder
M J Horowitz1, B Siegel, A Holen
1Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0984, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1997
Summary
A new diagnosis for complicated grief disorder is proposed, distinct from major depressive disorder. This condition involves persistent intense yearning, intrusive thoughts, and functional impairment over a year after loss.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Grief Research
Background:
- Prolonged grief reactions present symptoms beyond current diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
- Clinical observation suggests a need for a distinct diagnostic category for complicated grief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate criteria for a new diagnosis of complicated grief disorder.
- To differentiate complicated grief from major depressive disorder.
Main Methods:
- Developed observer-based definitions for 30 grief symptoms.
- Assessed 70 bereaved individuals using structured diagnostic interviews.
- Employed latent class models and signal detection procedures for data calibration.
Main Results:
- Complicated grief disorder is characterized by a specific subset of assessed symptoms.
- Individuals diagnosed with complicated grief did not significantly overlap with those diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Conclusions:
- A new diagnosis of complicated grief disorder is indicated.
- Criteria include intense intrusive thoughts, yearning, emotional distress, avoidance, and functional impairment over a year post-loss.