PTSD in People Coping with Grief or Loss

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among people coping with grief or loss? PTSD risk depends on circumstances of death; violent/sudden loss much more relevant than bereavement itself
Are people coping with grief or loss at higher risk? Yes after traumatic/sudden/violent bereavement
How much higher is the risk? Not established universal
How often can it be missed? High, because PTSD may be mistaken for grief alone
Does it show up differently among people coping with grief or loss? Strong Yes contextually
How might it look different? Intrusive images of death, avoidance of reminders, hyperarousal and guilt can occur alongside grief
What commonly occurs alongside it? Prolonged grief disorder; MDD; anxiety
What can it be confused with? Normal acute grief; prolonged grief disorder; MDD; adjustment disorder
Common screening tool PCL-5
Separate screening tool for people coping with grief or loss None specifically for PTSD

Most often taken Self-Assessments

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