Clinically significant differences between grief, pathological grief, and depression

Abstract

Differentiating between grief, pathological grief, and depression is important for health professionals because significant differences exist in the treatment of these conditions. This paper describes clinically observable differences between these diagnoses and suggests intervention and counselling strategies appropriate to each. In many instances grief can best be facilitated by a nonjudgmental warm, and open companion or health professional who does not intrude unnecessarily into the bereaved's need, for solitude but who can monitor physical health. Depression and pathological grief, on the other hand, frequently require the skilled intervention of a mental health professional.