About Us | Privacy | Site Map
June 19, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Complicated Grief


Complicated grief, or separation trauma, is a condition in which a person feels great anxiety, loneliness, and intense longing after the death of a loved one. These symptoms last 6 or more months and can take much of a person's focus and energy.

A person with complicated grief feels anxiety related directly to the loss of a loved one. This condition differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition in which a person is anxious and fearful that traumatic events will occur again.

Complicated grief can be treated by a doctor and a grief counselor.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSidney Zisook, MD - Psychiatry
Last RevisedOctober 17, 2011

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement





Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies