0 Grief describes the emotional, cognitive, behavioral and bodily responses to the loss of a loved object.
0 Loss (bereavement) means separation resulting from the death of a loved one.
0 Grief describes the subjective feelings and behaviors that manifest themselves with the realization that the loss is irreversible.
0 Mourning is social expressions of mourning, such as funerals, grave visits, and other rituals.
The Relationship Between Grief and Major Depression
• While there is a real loss of object in grief, in depression the individual may or may not describe a real loss.
• In some individuals, major depression develops after the loss. In this case, the grief has been complicated.
|
Distinction
between loss-related depressive symptoms and major depression |
|
|
loss |
Major Depressive Disorder |
|
Symptoms may meet the criteria for major
depression syndrome, but guilt, worthlessness, suicidal ideation, or
psychomotor retardation are rare. |
It could be all the symptoms in the DSM-5. |
|
It is triggered by thoughts or reminders of the
deceased. |
Dysphoria is autonomous. It is independent of
thoughts or reminders of the deceased. |
|
Begins within 2 months of extinction |
starts at any time |
|
Depressive symptoms do not last longer than 2
months. |
Depression becomes chronic, intermittent or
episodic |
|
The dysfunction is temporary and mild. |
There is clinically significant dysfunction |
|
There is no family history or history of major
depression. |
Has a family history or history of major
depression |
Response in End Stage Patients
It was studied by Elisabeth-Kübler-Ross and divided into 5 phases. Patients may not go through all of the stages or may not follow the sequence.
0 Stage 1 (shock and denial): The patient's first reaction to the news is shock. The patient does not accept his death.
0 Stage 2 (anger): The patient is extremely tense and angry. He always says "why me".
0 Stage 3 (bargaining): Makes bargains such as "I'll get better, I'll do this, I'll be a good person".
0 Stage 4 (depression): The patient shows clinical signs of depression. They may have suicidal thoughts.
0 Stage 5 (acceptance): The patient accepts that he will die and accepts his universality.