A call to the field: Complicated grief in the DSM-5

Authors

Elizabeth A. Lobb, Calvary Health Care SydneyFollow
Therese A. Rando Ph.D.,BCETS,BCBT, The Institute for the study and Treatment of Loss, Warwick, Rhode Island
Kenneth J. Doka Ph.D., The College of New Rochelle, New York and The Hospice Foundation of America
Stephen Fleming Ph.D., C.Psych, York University, Totonto, Ontario, Canada
Maria H. Franco Ph.D., Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paolo, Brazil
Colin Murray Parkes MD, St Christopher's Hospice, London, England
Rose Steele RN, Ph.D., York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Publication Details

Lobb, E. A., Rando, T. A., Doka, K. J., Fleming, S., Franco, M. H., Murray Parkes, C., & Steele, R. (2012). A call to the field: Complicated grief in the DSM-5. Omega: Journal of Death & Dying, 65 (4), 251-255.
https://doi.org/10.2190/OM.65.4.a

Abstract

While complicated grief has been addressed in part through some recommendations for modifications in the upcoming fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there remain reasons for substantial concern about its scope therein and within clinical practice. The authors issue a call to the field, reiterating that complicated grief is complicated and cannot be confined to just one syndrome or disorder. Continued research is urged, and specific caveats are identified for exploring the complex dimensions of loss and grief. THe authors advocate for ongoing dialogue about and invetigation of various potential forms of complicated grief.

Keywords

books, evaluation, complicated grief