The New York Times (12/8, MacKeen) reported on prolonged grief disorder (PGD), “a newly recognized condition” that is “a syndrome in which people feel stuck in an endless cycle of mourning that can last for years or even decades, severely impairing their daily life, relationships and job performance.” PGD “isn’t new” but previously “it was listed in the D.S.M. as a condition for further study. Preliminary studies suggest that it affects around 7 percent of those in mourning.” The Times added, “Dr. Vivian Pender, president of the American Psychiatric Association, which publishes the D.S.M., said the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder may increase because of the sheer magnitude of Covid deaths.” Dr. Pender said, “I think the pandemic has made losing someone particularly worse. The usual loss and grieving process has been disrupted.”
Related Links:
— “As Covid Deaths Rise, Lingering Grief Gets a New Name “Dawn MacKeen, The New York Times, December 8, 2021