Mourning vs. melancholy: Understanding the differences
Identifying Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Distinct Mental Health Condition
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are two distinct mental health conditions that share some similarities but differ significantly in their focus, duration, and impact on daily life. PGD, unlike standard grief, can persist for over a year and significantly disrupt a person's daily functioning.
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) vs Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
PGD and MDD can be differentiated by several key aspects. The duration of PGD is at least 12 months for adults (6 months for children), whereas MDD typically lasts for at least two weeks and can be recurrent. The focus of PGD is a specific, persistent longing or preoccupation with the deceased, whereas MDD's symptoms are more general and not specifically tied to loss.
Emotional symptoms in PGD include intense longing, emotional numbness, and difficulty accepting the death, whereas MDD symptoms may include persistent depressed mood, anhedonia, guilt, and suicidal ideation not specifically linked to bereavement. Functionally, PGD causes significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas, whereas MDD leads to marked impairment in functioning and a pervasive mood disturbance.
Associated Symptoms and Suicide Risk
PGD often involves avoidance of reminders of the deceased, identity confusion, fear of losing others, and blaming others. MDD, on the other hand, typically involves general feelings of failure, worthlessness, and psychomotor changes. The suicide risk is higher in MDD, with 15% of untreated depression cases ending in suicide.
Identity Diminishment and Intense Preoccupation
PGD often includes identity diminishment (feeling a part of oneself died), whereas MDD typically involves broader self-esteem and mood disturbances unrelated to identity loss tied to bereavement. PGD symptoms include intense preoccupation with the deceased and difficulty accepting the death, which may not be prominent in MDD.
Avoidance Behaviors and Persistent Disbelief
Unlike typical grief, PGD entails avoidance behaviors and persistent disbelief preventing emotional processing of the loss. Standard grief is a natural, though painful, emotional process that generally lessens with time and adaptation.
Recognition and Treatment
PGD is a distinct mental health condition recognized in ICD-10 and DSM-5. It is characterized by prolonged and disabling grief responses that do not follow normal cultural or social expectations. Treatment for PGD can include psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and counseling, similar to MDD treatment.
Distinguishing Grief from Depression
Grief may feel or result in depression, but the roots of either can differ. Both conditions can share symptoms such as emotional pain, crying often, emotional distress, changes in appetite, changes in sleeping habits, having angry outbursts, and becoming withdrawn from loved ones. However, it is essential to seek professional help to accurately diagnose and treat either condition.
Support for Coping with Grief and Depression
Support groups for coping with grief and/or depression include Bereavement Care, The Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC), The Compassionate Friends, Depression Hotline, Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. These organisations provide valuable resources and support for individuals experiencing grief or depression.
Mental Health and Health-and-Wellness: It's important to recognize that Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are distinct mental health conditions under the umbrella of mental health.
Science and Depression: The suicide risk is higher in MDD, with 15% of untreated depression cases ending in suicide, highlighting the need for timely, professional help in managing depression.
