Shear et al identified clinical features distinguishing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the complicated grief disorder (CGD). Both conditions may co-exist or occur separately. The authors are from the University of Pittsburgh.
Parameters:
(1) triggering event
(2) primary emotion
(3) frequency of nightmares
(4) things that can be painful reminders
(5) yearnings and longings
Parameter
Complicated Grief
PTSD
triggering event
death of someone close
considerable physical or emotional threat
primary emotion
sadness
fear or anxiety
nightmares
none to rare
common
painful reminders
pervasive and unexpected
often specific to the event
yearnings
for person who died
none, or regret that the event ever happened
where:
• A person need not be present at the death of the loved one to experience complicated grief.
• A person may have some success with an avoidance strategy in PTSD but not with CGD.
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