When it's hard to move on: A new study on grief and PTSD

People who've lost their loved ones often need lots of time before they can move on, but sometimes no time is enough.

A study published by the American Psychological Association reveals that symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can predict the development of complicated grief in individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to trauma. 

The research suggests that addressing PTSD symptoms early on might help prevent the onset of complicated grief.

Researching grief

Typically, grief tends to lessen over time, but complicated grief can persist and interfere with daily life. 

This type of grief is characterized by intense yearning, persistent thoughts of the deceased, and difficulty accepting the reality of the loss.

The study focused on survivors of the 2011 domestic terrorist attack on Utøya, an island in Norway. 

The research involved interviews assessing PTSD and complicated grief symptoms. 

The findings indicate that those with PTSD symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief. 

Notably, early PTSD symptoms predicted later complicated grief symptoms, but not vice versa.

Why it's important

The study highlights the potential benefit of addressing PTSD symptoms to prevent or mitigate complicated grief. 

The unique combination of unexpected loss and direct trauma exposure contributes to the trajectory of symptoms in these cases. 

This insight could inform more effective treatment strategies for individuals dealing with both grief and trauma.
 

• Related news:
• research
• grief
• ptsd
• depression
• trauma
• 4 September 2023

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