What is Prolonged Grief Disorder? Symptoms and Treatment Options of PGD

When feelings of sadness, rage, and grief interfere with your life and last for months or years after losing a loved one, you may be dealing with prolonged grief disorder. A normal reaction to losing a loved one is grief. The majority of people see a gradual decline in their grief symptoms. However, some people may continue to experience great grief, and their symptoms are strong enough to interfere with their ability to live their lives normally. This is a defining feature of prolonged grief disorder. PGD is considered a disorder when these symptoms persist for at least 12 months after the loss.

The symptoms of PGD include:

• • • People with PGD often feel intense longing, a deep sense of emptiness, and a constant need to be with the person who died.
    • People with PGD may find it hard to think about anything other than the person who has passed away.
    • People with PGD may have trouble accepting that the person is really gone because they may believe that the death might have been avoided in some way.
    • People with PGD may have difficulty moving on with life and engaging in activities that they once enjoyed and may struggle to build new relationships.
    • PGD patients may develop physical signs and symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
    • People with PGD may also experience emotional distress, i.e., feelings of anger, guilt, and hopelessness, and they may find it difficult to control their emotions.
    • People with PGD may distance themselves from friends and family and may find it difficult to maintain relationships.
    • People with PGD may have difficulty functioning in their daily lives, including work, social, and familial relationships.

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) can develop after the loss of someone deeply close, such as a spouse, child, or parent. The circumstances surrounding the loss play a significant role such as sudden, traumatic, or violent deaths tend to increase the likelihood of developing PGD, as they often leave individuals with unresolved emotional shock. Also, a person’s emotional history and psychological state can further influence their vulnerability. Individuals who have previously struggled with depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties may face a higher risk of prolonged grief. Similarly, those who have limited or ineffective coping mechanisms, especially difficulty expressing emotions or managing stress, may find it harder to process grief in a healthy way. Social support is another crucial factor. People who lack a strong, supportive network of friends or family often feel more isolated in their grief, causing PGD. Additionally, cultural and societal norms can affect how someone navigates loss. In some cultures, grief may not be widely understood, validated, or supported, making it harder for individuals to accept the death and move through the mourning process with compassion and guidance.

Treatment options for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) typically focus on helping individuals process their loss, manage difficult emotions, and gradually rebuild their lives. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be keeping a person stuck in their grief. Another highly effective approach is Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), a structured and time-limited therapy specifically designed for PGD. CGT helps individuals work through their grief in a guided, evidence-based way so they can move forward while still honoring their loss.

Medication may also be recommended, especially when symptoms of depression or anxiety occur alongside PGD. Antidepressants can help reduce emotional distress, allowing the person to engage more fully in therapy. Supportive therapy plays an important role as well, offering a safe and compassionate space for individuals to express feelings that may be too difficult to share elsewhere.

Psychoeducation is another useful tool, helping people understand the natural course of grief and providing strategies to cope with its different stages. For many, group therapy is especially beneficial. Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses creates a sense of understanding and shared healing, making the journey through grief feel less isolating.

• • • Offer a listening ear and let your friend talk about their feelings and emotions without judging or interrupting.
    • Suggest your friend to get help from a psychiatrist, therapist, or counselor who can provide specialized support and treatment.
    • Recovery from Proloned Grief Disorder can take time, so be patient and understanding.
    • Let your friends know that you are there for them and offer to provide emotional support.
    • Help them with their daily routine. Offer to help with chores or other tasks that may be difficult for them to do on their own.
    • Help them to remember the good times by sharing happy memories of the person who died and encourage them to look at pictures and other mementos.
    • Help them to find new hobbies or activities that your friend may enjoy and encourage them to try new things.
    • Learn more about PGD, its symptoms, and how to support your friend to understand better what they are going through.
    • Guide your friends to take care of themselves, eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.
    • Let your friends know that you are there for them, no matter what, and that you care about their well-being.