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Shevlin M, Redican E, Karatzias T, Hyland P. Testing the distinctiveness of prolonged grief disorder from posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in large bereaved community samples. J Affect Disord 2024; 363:214-220. [PMID: 39047948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study sought to test the distinctiveness of symptoms of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. METHODS Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and target exploratory factor analysis (EFA), were used to test the distinctiveness of PGD from PTSD and depression symptoms in a large sample of adults bereaved for at least six months (N = 1917). Identified factors were explored in relation to demographic (i.e., age, gender) and loss-related (i.e., time since bereavement, nature of death, relationship to deceased, age of deceased, and frequency of contact with deceased) correlates. RESULTS The CFA model provided a good fit to the data, while the target EFA provided a slightly improved fit. All items loading strongly and significantly onto their respectively factors, and the IGQ items had few significant cross-factor loadings. All demographic and loss-related variables (except for death of a sibling and death from other causes) were associated with each of the factors, however, these associations were strongest for the PGD factor. LIMITATIONS Participants were recruited using a non-probability sampling method and were from a relatively affluent Western nation. CONCLUSION Findings from the current study demonstrate that PGD reflects an empirically distinguishable albeit related disorder to PTSD and depression in a sample of bereaved adults. The identification of correlates common to PGD, PTSD, and depression, as well as those unique to PGD, affords a comprehensive understanding of the risk factors associated with bereavement-related psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.
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Rueger MS, Steil R, Lubik S, Roll SC, Lechner-Meichsner F. A comprehensive investigation of comorbidities of prolonged grief disorder in a bereaved inpatient psychiatric sample. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:185-193. [PMID: 39029160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) was recently added to ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are frequent comorbidities, but findings regarding comorbid somatoform disorder and personality disorders remain mixed and studies with severely impaired patients are scarce. It was therefore the objective of the present study to examine comorbidities of PGD in a bereaved inpatient psychiatric sample. We assessed N = 101 bereaved inpatients in a psychiatric hospital with clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires. We calculated differences between patients with and without a PGD-diagnosis in number and type of comorbid disorders as well as associations between the severity of PGD and comorbid disorders. On average, patients had 2.53 comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with and without a PGD-diagnosis did not differ in their number of comorbid diagnoses, and there was no association between number of comorbid diagnoses and PGD-severity. However, patients with PGD, had significantly more comorbid diagnoses belonging to neurotic-, stress-related and somatoform disorders of the ICD-10. Patients with PGDICD-11 also had significantly higher scores in self-reported depressive, PTSD-, and somatoform symptoms, as well as the negative affectivity personality domain than those without a PGD diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide insights into comorbidities of PGD in a bereaved inpatient psychiatric sample. It highlights the importance of considering PGD symptoms as part of the complaints of bereaved patients to achieve a tailored treatment approach. Future longitudinal studies are needed to unveil relationships between pre-existing mental disorders and PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Sophie Rueger
- Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Department Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Varrentrappstraße 40-42, 60486, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Regina Steil
- Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Department Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Varrentrappstraße 40-42, 60486, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Lubik
- varisano Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Klinik für psychische Gesundheit, Gotenstraße 6-8, 65929, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sibylle C Roll
- varisano Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Klinik für psychische Gesundheit, Gotenstraße 6-8, 65929, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Boelen PA, Adamkovič M. Prevalence and correlates of ICD-11-based prolonged grief disorder in a representative Slovakian sample of recently bereaved adults. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2381368. [PMID: 39129485 PMCID: PMC11321113 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2381368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has recently been included in both the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR diagnostic manuals. Studying its prevalence and correlates across cultures is vital for more effective identification, treatment, and prevention.Objective: This study aimed to examine prevalence rates of ICD-11-based PGD, in a representative Slovakian sample in response to deaths of loved ones occurring during the previous year. Further aims were to examine the factor structure of PGD symptoms and correlates of summed PGD item scores and PGD 'caseness'.Method: Self-reported data on PGD, depression, anxiety, alcohol use, and descriptive characteristics were gathered from a representative sample of the Slovak population (N = 319).Results: Data were gathered from N = 1853 people; 319 participants (17.2%) reported a loss in the past year. The prevalence of probable PGD among these bereaved participants was 1.99% for recent losses (<6 months, n = 151) and 7.75% for more distant losses (6-12 months, n = 130). The most frequently endorsed symptoms included longing/yearning for the deceased, sadness, denial/unrealness, and difficulty accepting the death. PGD symptoms had a unitary factor structure which was consistent for subsamples bereaved 1-5 and 6-12 months. The severity of PGD varied with kinship. Depression and anxiety, but not alcohol misuse, were associated with PGD severity and PGD caseness.Conclusions: These findings underscore that a significant group of people develop PGD between 6-12 months following a loss. This emphasises the need for targeted psychological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Matúš Adamkovič
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Centre of Social and Psychological Sciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia
- Faculty of Education, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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Rueger MS, Lechner-Meichsner F, Kirschbaum L, Lubik S, Roll SC, Steil R. Prolonged grief disorder in an inpatient psychiatric sample: psychometric properties of a new clinical interview and preliminary prevalence. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:333. [PMID: 38693470 PMCID: PMC11064282 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) was newly included in the ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR. It is not yet part of the standard assessments in many healthcare systems, including psychiatric wards. Because disordered grief is associated with suicidality, sleep problems and substance use disorders, an investigation into PGD in psychiatric inpatients is warranted. METHOD We interviewed N = 101 psychiatric inpatients who were admitted to the open psychiatric wards and the day hospital of a German psychiatric hospital and who had lost a person close to them. Assessments comprised clinical interviews and self-report instruments covering PGD and other mental disorders. We specifically developed the International Interview for Prolonged Grief Disorder according to ICD-11 (I-PGD-11) for the study and examined its psychometric properties. RESULTS The prevalence rate of PGD among bereaved patients according to ICD-11 was 16.83% and according to DSM-5-TR 10.89%. The I-PGD-11 showed good psychometric properties (Mc Donald's ω = 0.89, ICC = 0.985). Being female, having lost a child or spouse, and unnatural or surprising circumstances of the death were associated with higher PGD scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION Approval was obtained by the ethics committee of the of the Goethe University Frankfurt (2021-62, 2023-17) and the Chamber of Hessian Physicians (2021-2730-evBO). The study was preregistered ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/K98MF ). LIMITATIONS We only assessed inpatients of one psychiatric clinic in Germany, limiting the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION The present study underlines the importance of exploring loss and grief in psychiatric inpatients and including PGD in the assessments. Given that a significant minority of psychiatric inpatients has prolonged grief symptoms, more research into inpatient treatment programs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Sophie Rueger
- Department Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Varrentrappstraße 40-42, 60486, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | | | - Lotte Kirschbaum
- Department Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Varrentrappstraße 40-42, 60486, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Lubik
- Klinik für psychische Gesundheit, varisano Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Gotenstraße 6-8, 65929, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sibylle C Roll
- Klinik für psychische Gesundheit, varisano Klinikum Frankfurt Höchst, Gotenstraße 6-8, 65929, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- Department Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Varrentrappstraße 40-42, 60486, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Robinson M, Armour C, Levin Y. Prolonged grief disorder symptomology in three African countries: A network analysis and comparison. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e57. [PMID: 38751724 PMCID: PMC11094551 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Bereavement is a globally prevalent life stressor, but in some instances, it may be followed by a persistent condition of grief and distress, codified within the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Network analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding psychological disorders at a nuanced symptom-based level. Aim This study novelly explores the network structure of ICD-11 PGD symptomology in a non-Western sample and assesses the replication of this across three African country sub-samples in these data. Methodology Network models were estimated using the "Inventory of Complicated Grief-Revised" in a sample of trauma-exposed individuals who experienced bereavement throughout life (N = 1,554) from three African countries (Ghana, n = 290; Kenya, n = 619; Nigeria, n = 645). These networks were statistically evaluated using the network comparison test. Results It was found that "Feelings of Loss" and "Difficulty moving on" were the most central symptoms in the combined sample network. These findings were largely consistent for the Ghana and Nigeria sub-samples, however, network structure differences were noted in the Kenya sub-sample. Conclusion The identified PGD network highlights particular indicators and associations across three African samples. Implications for the assessment and treatment of PGD in these cultural contexts warrant consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Robinson
- Research Centre for Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chérie Armour
- Research Centre for Stress Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Yafit Levin
- Department of Social Work and Education, Ariel University, ArielIsrael
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Sarper E, Rodrigues DL. The stigmatization of prolonged grief disorder and disenfranchised grief: A vignette-based experimental study. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38613518 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2340726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
People with prolonged grief disorder (PGD) are at risk of public stigma, but research has yet to examine whether stigma is shaped by different types of relationship losses. In an experimental study, we asked participants (N = 306) to read three scenarios in which targets lost their romantic partner, child, or companion animal. Targets with PGD (vs. integrated grief) elicited more negative emotional reactions and attributions, and their experiences were perceived as less legitimate. Targets who lost their companion animal (vs. other relationship losses) were perceived as the most sensitive and their grief as the least legitimate, but they also elicited the lowest prosocial and fear reactions and were perceived as the warmest. Lastly, targets with PGD who lost their companion animal (vs. other relationship losses) elicited more negative emotional reactions and attributions, and their experiences were perceived as less legitimate. Implications and suggestions for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Sarper
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David L Rodrigues
- Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, CIS-Iscte, Lisbon, Portugal
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Redican E, Vang ML, Komischke-Konnerup K, Elklit A, Shevlin M, O'Connor M. Operationalization, implications and correlates of the cultural deviance criterion for ICD-11 and DSM-5 prolonged grief disorder. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:988-999. [PMID: 38147040 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2297061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is included in ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR and includes a requirement of cultural deviance. This study examined endorsement rates and factors associated with endorsement of this criterion among Danish bereaved spouses (n = 425) and their adult children (n = 159) four years post-loss. In total, 7.5% (n = 44) participants endorsed this criterion. Both including and excluding the criterion, the prevalence rates for probable DSM-5-TR PGD were 1.4% (n = 8) and 1.7% (n = 10), respectively and for probable ICD-11 PGD were 1.4% (n = 8) and 2.2% (n = 13), respectively. Age and gender of the deceased, age of the bereaved, greater grief severity, and comorbid psychopathology were positively associated with endorsement of the criterion. Findings demonstrate low endorsement of the cultural deviation criterion, that its inclusion excludes several potential PGD cases, and unanticipated associations with several factors raise questions about the criterion's validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Redican
- Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - M L Vang
- National Centre for Psychotraumatology, Department of Psychology, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K Komischke-Konnerup
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Elklit
- National Centre for Psychotraumatology, Department of Psychology, University of Southern, Odense, Denmark
| | - M Shevlin
- Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, UK
| | - M O'Connor
- Unit for Bereavement Research, Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Hyland P, Redican E, Karatzias T, Shevlin M. Assessing the validity and reliability of the International Anxiety Questionnaire and the International Depression Questionnaire in two bereaved national samples. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37776046 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The International Anxiety Questionnaire (IAQ) and International Depression Questionnaire (IDQ) are self-report measures of ICD-11 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (ICD-11 GAD) and ICD-11 Single Episode Depressive Disorder (ICD-11 DD). This study tested the psychometric properties of these scales in two samples of bereaved adults from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the combined dimensionality and measurement invariance of the IAQ and IDQ across the United Kingdom (n = 1012) and Irish (n = 1011) samples. Differential item functioning (DIF) was tested using multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) modelling while convergent validity was also assessed. CFA results supported a correlated two-factor model in both samples. The MIMIC model showed that the IDQ item "Had recurrent thoughts of death or suicide" showed DIF and the effect was small. Internal reliability of the scales were high and convergent validity was supported. The prevalence of ICD-11 GAD was 18.6% and 16.1% and ICD-11 DD was 13.8% and 10.5% in the United Kingdom and Irish samples, respectively. Findings of the study provide support for the validity, measurement invariance, and reliability of the IAQ and IDQ among two bereaved national samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Enya Redican
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Ulster, UK
| | - Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Ulster, UK
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Harrop E, Medeiros Mirra R, Goss S, Longo M, Byrne A, Farnell DJJ, Seddon K, Penny A, Machin L, Sivell S, Selman LE. Prolonged grief during and beyond the pandemic: factors associated with levels of grief in a four time-point longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1215881. [PMID: 37794891 PMCID: PMC10546414 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating and enduring mass-bereavement event, with uniquely difficult sets of circumstances experienced by people bereaved at this time. However, little is known about the long-term consequences of these experiences, including the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and other conditions in pandemic-bereaved populations. Methods A longitudinal survey of people bereaved in the UK between 16 March 2020 and 2 January 2021, with data collected at baseline (n = 711), c. 8 (n = 383), 13 (n = 295), and 25 (n = 185) months post-bereavement. Using measures of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) (Traumatic Grief Inventory), grief vulnerability (Adult Attitude to Grief Scale), and social support (Inventory of Social Support), this analysis examines how participant characteristics, characteristics of the deceased and pandemic-related circumstances (e.g., restricted visiting, social isolation, social support) are associated with grief outcomes, with a focus on symptoms of PGD. Results At baseline, 628 (88.6%) of participants were female, with a mean age of 49.5 (SD 12.9). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19. Sample demographics were relatively stable across time points. 34.6% of participants met the cut-off for indicated PGD at c. 13 months bereaved and 28.6% at final follow-up. Social isolation and loneliness in early bereavement and lack of social support over time strongly contributed to higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms, while feeling well supported by healthcare professionals following the death was associated with reduced levels of prolonged grief symptoms. Characteristics of the deceased most strongly associated with lower levels of prolonged grief symptoms, were a more distant relationship (e.g., death of a grandparent), an expected death and death occurring in a care-home. Participant characteristics associated with higher levels of prolonged grief symptoms included low level of formal education and existence of medical conditions. Conclusion Results suggest higher than expected levels of PGD compared with pre-pandemic times, with important implications for bereavement policy, provision and practice now (e.g., strengthening of social and specialist support) and in preparedness for future pandemics and mass-bereavement events (e.g., guidance on infection control measures and rapid support responses).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Harrop
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Silvia Goss
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Mirella Longo
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kathy Seddon
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Penny
- National Bereavement Alliance, London, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Machin
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Sivell
- Division of Population Medicine, Marie Curie Research Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy E. Selman
- Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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