Glossary
Prolonged grief disorder
Intense, lasting grief that disrupts daily life, a year or more after a loss for adults (6 months for children). It can be treated.
Prolonged grief disorder is a mental health condition in which intense grief lasts much longer than expected and gets in the way of daily life. It was added to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, the DSM-5-TR, in March 2022. According to the APA (opens in a new tab):
- the loss must have happened at least a year ago for adults, or 6 months ago for children and teens;
- the person has at least three symptoms nearly every day for the past month, such as intense longing, feeling part of oneself has died, disbelief, avoiding reminders, intense emotional pain, emotional numbness, feeling life is meaningless, or intense loneliness;
- the grief lasts longer than social, cultural or religious norms would expect, and causes real problems at home, work or school.
An estimated 4% to 15% of bereaved adults experience it. The APA says the risk is greater when a death is sudden or unnatural, and that lack of support is also a risk factor.
The good news: treatments work. Therapies based on cognitive behavioral therapy reduce symptoms, and support groups can ease isolation. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency. See when grief doesn't ease and complicated grief.
What you can do today: if grief has stopped your life for a long time, book one appointment with your doctor or a grief counselor.