This week, we present a case study of Prolonged Grief Disorder, a psychedelic survey, and geriatric irritability’s role as a canary in the coal mine.
Insight Into a Better Treatment Approach
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), which made its debut in the DSM-5-TR just a few years ago, can creep up anyone struggling to move on after a loved one has passed. Marked by persistent yearning and an excessive preoccupation with the deceased, PGD can disrupt daily functioning for a year (or longer) in adults or six months in younger individuals. Symptoms typically include identity confusion, suicidal thoughts, and social withdrawal. As if that’s not bad enough, emotional distress can persist long after the initial loss.
In this week’s Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, we’ve published the case of Ms. A, a 21-year-old pre-med student, trying to fight her way through the complexities of PGD. Following her father’s death from COVID-19-related respiratory failure, she started showing symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) but also endured intense grief – despite initial medication improvements.
Her avoidance of triggers, along with a persistent longing for her father, led to a referral for Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (PGDT). This 16-session manualized therapy focuses on helping patients integrate their loss and reclaim a sense of normalcy.
By the end of that treatment, Ms. A successfully faced reminders of her father’s death, finding solace by learning to cherish the memories she had of him – rather than letting them set off her grief.
PGDT has more than earned its reputation as the gold standard for PGD treatment. The evidence clearly backs up this distinction as a superior alternative to non-specific therapies. No FDA-approved medications are available specifically for PGD (yet). But, antidepressants can help treat comorbid conditions like MDD.
Clinicians should be vigilant about screening patients for PGD. It’s especially important for patients at higher risk due to pre-existing depression or when the death occurred under traumatic circumstances. Prompt intervention through therapy can make all the difference and help patients successfully navigate their grief and reclaim their lives.
IN OTHER PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROLOGY NEWS
- The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry boasts a survey this week that shows differences of opinion among psychedelic researchers.
- PCC also asks: Can geriatric irritability serve as an early warning system for depression?
- While researchers at JCP investigate whether sleep apnea could be driving up suicide rates.
- PCC reveals how caregivers cracked a case of treatment resistant depression – with atypical features.
- And, last but not least, we have an update on Emerging Approaches in Schizophrenia.
