Traumatic Grief: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Traumatic grief is a constellation of symptoms that arise in response to exposure to traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one or a serious injury. It is believed to be more severe than other forms of grief and is associated with higher levels of psychological distress. The current review article provides an overview of traumatic grief, exploring its symptoms, associated risk factors, and treatment approaches. The review also discusses gaps in the literature and implications for future research.
Introduction
Grief is a normal and expected response to the death of a loved one or the loss of something important. However, some individuals may experience a more severe form of grief known as traumatic grief, which is characterized by the presence of intrusive symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty concentrating (Bokhorst, Prigerson, & Shear, 2018). Traumatic grief has been documented in individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one due to violent or unexpected circumstances, such as a natural disaster, homicide, or suicide (Prigerson & Jacobs, 2013; Prigerson et al., 2009). The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of traumatic grief, including its symptoms, associated risk factors, and treatment approaches.
Symptoms of traumatic grief
The symptoms of traumatic grief are similar to those of standard grief, but may be more intense and longer lasting (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Common symptoms include intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, emotional numbness, irritability, guilt, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Other symptoms may include a lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed, difficulty forming meaningful relationships, and feelings of despair and hopelessness (Prigerson & Jacobs, 2013). In addition, individuals may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss and may have difficulty trusting others (Prigerson & Jacobs, 2013).
Risk factors for traumatic grief
Research suggests that certain factors may increase the risk of experiencing traumatic grief, such as age, gender, and the nature of the traumatic event (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Older adults may be at higher risk for developing traumatic grief due to their greater vulnerability to physical and psychological health problems (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Similarly, women may be at greater risk due to their higher levels of emotional reactivity (Bokhorst et al., 2018). In addition, individuals who experience the death of a loved one due to violent or unexpected circumstances are more likely to experience traumatic grief (Prigerson & Jacobs, 2013; Prigerson et al., 2009).
Treatment approaches
There is limited research on the treatment of traumatic grief, but several approaches have been suggested. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been recommended as a potential treatment for traumatic grief, as it may help individuals to identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with the traumatic event (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Similarly, psychodynamic therapy may be useful in helping individuals to process the loss and understand the underlying psychological issues associated with the traumatic event (Bokhorst et al., 2018). Other approaches, such as mindfulness-based interventions, may be useful in helping individuals to cope with intrusive thoughts and emotions associated with the traumatic event (Bokhorst et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Traumatic grief is a severe form of grief that may be experienced following exposure to traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one. This review has provided an overview of traumatic grief, discussing its symptoms, associated risk factors, and treatment approaches. Further research is needed to better understand the nature of traumatic grief and develop effective interventions for its treatment.
References
Bokhorst, C. L., Prigerson, H. G., & Shear, M. K. (2018). Traumatic grief: A review. World Psychiatry, 17(2), 177-184.
Prigerson, H. G., & Jacobs, S. C. (2013). Traumatic grief as a distinct disorder: An empirical review. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(2), 196-204.
Prigerson, H. G., Maciejewski, P. K., Reynolds, C. F., Bierhals, A. J., Fasiczka, A. L., Zhang, B., & Houck, P. R. (2009). Traumatic grief as a distinct disorder: Initial efforts to develop diagnostic criteria. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 166(1), 92-99.