Describe normal / uncomplicated grief (2)
- Fluctuates over time
- Gradual return of functioning
Describe complicated grief (3)
- Persistent distress
- Preoccupation with the loss
- Functional impairment
How does grief differ from depression?
Grief is focused on loss, while depression is focused on self
Name the type of loss:
Loss of a significant person through death / illness / divorce / separation
Actual loss
Name the type of loss:
Loss normally expected due to developmental process of life - “empty nest syndrome”
Developmental / maturational loss
Name the type of loss:
Any loss not obvious to others - ex. decreased self-esteem
Perceived loss
Name the type of loss:
Unanticipated loss caused by an external event - ex. separation from personal possessions by theft
Situational loss
Name the type of grief:
Experiencing the grieving process before actual loss occurs
Anticipatory grief
Name the type of grief:
Inability to process through the stages of grief and becoming fixed in denial / anger
Maladaptive grief
Name the type of grief:
Grief reactions not experienced until long after the expected time frame
Delayed / inhibited grief
Name the type of grief:
Normal grief with severe sadness / helplessness / powerlessness resulting in difficulty with daily living
Distorted / exaggerated grief
Name the type of grief:
Loss that cannot be shared publicly / socially - may be invalidated
Disenfranchised grief
Name the type of grief:
Extreme distress without progress / improvement
Chronic / prolonged grief
What is the normal length of the grieving process?
6 - 8 weeks
What are the 5 stages of grief?
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
Name the developmental stage based on the grief perception:
- Crying / irritability
- Clinginess
- Looking for person who has died
- Increased stranger anxiety
- Decreased interest in play / food
- Regression
Infants / toddlers
Name the developmental stage based on the grief perception:
- Anxiety / irritability
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Repetitive questions
- Belief that death is reversible / magical thinking
Preschoolers
Name the developmental stage based on the grief perception:
- Acting out
- Anxiety / worry about safety of self and others
- Disrupted concentration
- Nightmares
- Playing used to recreate death event
- Hypervigilence
School-age children
Name the developmental stage based on the grief perception:
- Adult-like responses
- Acting out / getting in trouble / risk-taking behaviors
- Self-harm / suicidal thoughts
- Discuss feelings with peers rather than adults
Adolescents
What medication can be used to assist a patient through the grieving process for short-term use?
Lorazepam (Ativan)
