'Persistent grief disorder' is considered a mental illness

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) - the book used by mental health professionals - has officially recognized a condition new illness, called "persistent grief disorder".

People who are experiencing prolonged grief are considered to have intense emotions, preoccupied thoughts that worry them or interfere with their day-to-day functioning, different from normal grieving.

 Some psychiatrists have suggested that persistent grief disorder be included in the DSM.

The DSM was created by the American Psychiatric Association and is often referred to as the bible of psychiatry. However, it is more than a guidebook for clinicians, as insurance providers often rely on the DSM for approval to cover treatments for these various disorders. Therefore, being confirmed in the DSM is also important.

People with prolonged grief may experience 'strong longing for the deceased or preoccupation with thinking about the deceased, or in children and adolescents, with the circumstances surrounding the death'. These reactions will affect them throughout the day, every day, for at least a month straight. In children, the criteria in the DSM note that the condition can be diagnosed six months after the death of a loved one. In adults, the disease can be diagnosed after a year.

Since 2020, a number of psychiatrists have suggested including persistent grief disorder in the DSM. They are proponents of the argument that people with prolonged grief are clearly distinguishable from those with typical grief, as are conditions that can be associated with loss, such as confusion. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. However, a majority of critics opposed its addition, arguing that the diagnosis would be pathological to normal behavior. It is also a criticism against other recently added conditions to DSM, such as game addiction.

However, it was not until the fall of 2021, through a process of struggle and cooperation, that long-standing grief disorder was introduced into this important book. This week, the American Psychiatric Association officially released the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Revised Text (DSM-5-TR), with grief disorder long is the latest and only status added there.

'Inclusion of persistent grief disorder in the DSM-5-TR means that mental health clinicians, as well as patients and families, share an understanding of what normal grief feels like and what it is. could indicate a long-term problem. Especially now, it's essential to share information and raise awareness about long-term grief disorder."