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Grief - Symptom

Alternative Names

Mourning; Grieving; Bereavement

Symptoms:

There can be five stages of grief. These reactions might not occur in a specific order, and can (at times) occur together. Not everyone experiences all of these emotions:

Denial, disbelief, numbness
Anger, blaming others
Bargaining (for instance "If I am cured of this cancer, I will never smoke again.")
Depressed mood, sadness, and crying
Acceptance, coming to terms

People who are grieving may have crying spells, some trouble sleeping, and lack of productivity at work.

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, including sleep and appetite. Symptoms that last for a while may lead to clinical depression.

Reviewed last on: 5/26/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Secondary Depression. In: Moore & Jefferson: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2004:chap 161.

Shuchter SR, Zisook S. Grief and Mourning. In: Jacobson JL, Jacobson AM. Jacobson: Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Hanley and Belfus;2001:chap 32.

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