Prolonged grief disorder
A recognised condition in which intense grief persists beyond a year and impairs daily functioning, with persistent longing and preoccupation with the loss.
Category: Symptoms and experiences
What is prolonged grief disorder?
Most grief softens with time, even though it does not disappear. In prolonged grief disorder, the acute intensity does not ease: persistent yearning, preoccupation with the person, and inability to re-engage with life continue past twelve months.
Key things to know
Risk is higher after sudden or violent loss, the loss of a child, and where the relationship was central to daily life.
- Recognised diagnosis: acute grief that does not ease past twelve months.
- Core signs: persistent yearning, preoccupation, inability to re-engage with life.
- Risk is higher after sudden or violent loss and the loss of a child.
- Grief-focused therapies are effective.
- Feeling stuck is reason enough to seek help, whatever the timeline.
What helps
Specific grief-focused therapies are effective. Seeking help is appropriate whenever grief feels stuck, regardless of how much time has passed.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.