Prolonged Grief Disorder

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Prolonged Grief Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A condition involving persistent, intense grief reactions that continue beyond expected cultural norms after the death of someone close, causing significant impairment.

Overview

Prolonged grief disorder involves an intense, persistent yearning for the deceased or preoccupation with the deceased, along with significant emotional pain, occurring at least twelve months after the death (six months in children), well beyond expected social, cultural, or religious norms.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include identity disruption, difficulty accepting the death, avoidance of reminders, intense emotional pain, difficulty reengaging with life, and emotional numbness. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Risk factors can include the nature of the loss, prior mental health history, and the level of social support available during bereavement.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Grief-focused psychotherapy, including specialized prolonged grief treatment protocols, has evidence supporting its use.

Living With Prolonged Grief Disorder

Connecting with grief support groups and maintaining social support can aid the grieving process.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many people experience significant symptom improvement with grief-focused treatment.

Related Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder involving persistent sadness or loss of interest that interferes with daily life for at least two weeks.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, involving intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal.

Adjustment Disorder

An emotional or behavioral response to an identifiable stressor that is out of proportion to the stressor or causes significant impairment.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.