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Review
. 2012 Jun;14(2):195-202.
doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2012.14.2/mmiller.

Complicated grief in late life

Mark D Miller  1
Affiliations
Review

Complicated grief in late life

Mark D Miller. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012 Jun.

Abstract
in English, Spanish, French

Complicated grief (CG) is a syndrome that affects 10% to 20% of grievers regardless of age, although proportionally more will face the death of loved ones in late life, CG is characterized by preoccupying and disabling symptoms that can persist for decades such as an inability to accept the death, intense yearning or avoidance, frequent reveries, deep sadness, crying, somatic distress, social withdrawal, and suicidal ideation. This syndrome is distinct from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, but CG maybe comorbid with each. This communication will focus on the impact of CG in late life (over age 60) and will include a case vignette for illustrating complicated grief therapy.

El duelo complicado (DC) es un síndrome que afecta al 10% a 20% de los deudos, independiente de la edad, aunque será proporcionalmente más frecuente ante la muerte de un ser querido durante la vejez. El DC se caracteriza por síntomas que preocupan y limitan, los que pueden persistir por décadas como una incapacidad para aceptar la muerte, una intensa añoranza o una evitación, ensueños frecuentes, profunda tristeza, llanto, molestias somáticas, aislamiento social e ideación suicida. Este síndrome se diferencia de la depresión mayor y del trastorno por estrés postraumático, pero puede ser comórbido con cualquiera de ellos. Este artículo se centra en el impacto del DC en la vejez (en mayores de 60 años) e incluye una viñeta para ilustrar la terapia en el duelo complicado.

Le deuil compliqué (DC) est un syndrome qui touche 10 à 20 % des endeuillés quel que soit I'âge bien que les sujets plus âgés soient proportionnellement plus nombreux à subir la perte d'un être aimé. Le DC est caractérisé par des symptômes obsédants et handicapants qui persistent pendant une dizaine d'années comme une incapacité à accepter la mort, un manque affectif ou un évitement marqués, des rêveries fréquentes, une profonde tristesse, des pleurs, une détresse somatique, une exclusion sociale et une idéation suicidaire. Ce syndrome est différent de la dépression majeure et du syndrome de stress post-traumatique mais le DC peut coexister avec chacun d'entre eux. L'article s'intéresse à l'impact du DC chez le sujet âgé (de plus de 60 ans) et comprend un cas clinique illustrant son traitement.

Keywords: complicated grief; complicated grief therapy; elder; late life.

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