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Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), also known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD), Complicated Grief (CG), Traumatic Grief (TG), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense grief that extends beyond what is considered a normal mourning period.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), also known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD), Complicated Grief (CG), or Traumatic Grief (TG), is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intense grief that extends beyond what is considered a normal mourning period. It is a prolonged and severe form of grief reaction to the loss of a loved one.
Individuals with PGD experience intense and enduring symptoms related to grief, which may include persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or a sense of disbelief about the loss. This condition significantly impairs daily functioning and may involve preoccupation with thoughts or memories of the deceased, difficulty accepting the death, and challenges in moving forward with life. PGD is recognized as a distinct mental health disorder, and its symptoms often require professional intervention and support.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach for addressing prolonged grief disorder, helping individuals navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with the loss of a loved one. At Light On Anxiety, our specialized therapists offer compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to the unique needs of individuals struggling with prolonged grief.
In CBT sessions, clients learn to:
By learning to integrate their loss into their lives in a meaningful way, individuals can reduce their symptoms of prolonged grief, improve their overall functioning, and find a sense of peace and acceptance amidst their loss.
Through personalized therapy sessions and supportive guidance, we empower clients to navigate their grief journey with greater resilience and well-being.
Medication may be considered in the treatment of prolonged grief disorder, particularly for individuals experiencing moderate to severe symptoms or those who do not fully respond to therapy alone. At Light On Anxiety, our team of psychiatric providers collaborates closely with clients to assess their unique needs and develop personalized medication regimens.
Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to target symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany prolonged grief disorder.
Our approach to medication management prioritizes safety, efficacy, and collaboration with clients to ensure they receive the most appropriate treatment for their symptoms while minimizing potential side effects.
A combined approach of therapy, including CBT, and medication management may provide the most comprehensive treatment for prolonged grief disorder. At Light On Anxiety, we offer integrated treatment plans that address both the psychological and physiological aspects of grief.
Our therapists and psychiatric providers work closely together with clients to tailor treatment plans to their individual needs and preferences.
Through this combined approach, we empower clients to navigate their grief journey, find meaning and healing in their loss, and ultimately achieve a sense of peace and acceptance in their lives.
Your Unique Path to Freedom From Prolonged Grief Disorder
Our goal is to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is characterized by persistent and intense symptoms of grief that extend beyond the expected mourning period. Common symptoms include:
Prolonged Grief Disorder is also known as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder. Both terms are used interchangeably to refer to the mental health condition characterized by enduring and intense grief symptoms following the loss of a loved one. The condition is recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and it reflects a prolonged and severe form of grief reaction that significantly impacts an individual’s daily life and functioning.
Yes, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is often used interchangeably with Complicated Grief Response. Both terms describe a prolonged and severe form of grief that extends beyond the expected mourning period, characterized by persistent and intense symptoms. Complicated grief response reflects the complexity and challenges individuals face in adjusting to the loss, with symptoms enduring for an extended period and significantly impacting daily functioning.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is distinct from depression in that it specifically focuses on an individual’s response to bereavement. While both involve intense sadness, PGD is centered around the loss of a loved one and the challenges adapting to life without them. PGD includes persistent longing for the deceased, preoccupation with memories, and difficulty moving forward. Depression, on the other hand, can encompass a broader range of triggers and symptoms beyond grief, affecting various aspects of daily life.
Research suggests that the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) may be associated with gender differences. Studies have indicated that women might be more susceptible to experiencing prolonged grief compared to men. However, the factors contributing to these gender differences in PGD prevalence are complex and may involve social, cultural, and individual variables.
Light On Anxiety CEO Dr Debra Kissen describes how CBT & ERP helps clients move past OCD and other anxiety disorders.
