Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (Complicated Grief)

Any person who has dealt with the loss of a loved one understands the difficulty of the grieving process. Usually, we can expect these emotions to dissipate slowly over time as we begin to heal from our loss and move forward with our lives. This experience typically involves a series of phases that can occur across any length of time, and include:

• Accepting the reality of our loss
• Allowing the pain from our loss to be experienced
• Adjusting to life without our loved one’s presence in it
• Developing new relationships and new purpose for our life

Unfortunately, there are many individuals who are unable to progress through their bereavement, which is then classified as a condition called persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD), or complicated grief. PS Counseling Frisco provides treatment options tailored specifically to those with persistent complex bereavement disorder. To learn more about licensed professional counselor Renee Cagle’s experience and approach to treating this disorder, please call 469-747-1826 to schedule an appointment. To learn what clients have to say about working with Renee, see the “Reviews” page found in the “About” tab.

Symptoms of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

PCBD is not the same as regular grief. Grief is personal, healthy, and expected. There is no “right” way of expressing it, no acceptable timeline, and certainly no “best” way of handling it. Grief itself is not a disorder. It is only with the passing of time that it becomes clear as to whether the person is able to accept this loss in their life, or if they are suffering from a state of mourning that lingers or worsens.

Individuals who experience persistent complex bereavement disorder often report several of the following symptoms:

• Intense focus on the loved one’s death
• Persistent longing for the deceased
• Difficulty believing the death occurred
• Avoiding reminders that the person has passed
• Persistent, intense, and prolonged emotional pain 
• Problems in performing essential daily functions
• Loss of interest or meaning in one’s own life
• Feeling that part of oneself has died
• Difficulty in reflecting on positive memories with the deceased
• Feelings of deep sadness, bitterness, or self-blame
• Isolating oneself from social activities
• Guilt over the loved one’s death and how you could have prevented it
• Thoughts of suicide

Once again, it is important to remember that many of these symptoms are a completely natural part of the grieving process. The key difference is that individuals should be progressing through this journey and in time, be able to find joy and purpose in life again . Generally, if you have experienced intense bereavement for over a year, it is best to consult a professional. Those with persistent complex bereavement disorder do not experience such improvement, and thus require the assistance of a specialist like Renee Cagle for additional support.

Factors That Influence Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

There is no definitive cause of PCBD, though there are several situations and factors that can increase a person’s chances of suffering from the condition. These include:

• High stress levels
• Past trauma or traumatic grief
• Lacking a strong support system
• Being a female
• Having been a caregiver to the deceased in their final days
• Losing a child

Seeking Treatment for PCBD in Frisco

In order to minimize the possibility of lifelong impacts caused by persistent complex bereavement disorder, it is critical for individuals to seek professional treatment. While there is not a specific cure for this disorder, there are many treatment methods that have proven to be highly effective for those that suffer from an extreme loss in their life.

Psychotherapy for Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder

Psychotherapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is a technique that can be utilized for individuals that suffer from a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even grief. This approach is tailored to each individual patient, and is based on exploring their particular symptoms to find positive ways of managing and coping with them. 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an empirically proven approach to traumatic loss and extended bereavement. It is an excellent way to challenge those haunting thoughts you may be experiencing.