A new diagnosis of “complicated bereavement” is proposed for use with adults in research and clinical settings. While the DSM-III currently contains a diagnosis of “uncomplicated bereavement,” no criteria are specified and no alternate diagnosis is given for prolonged grief that is no longer “uncomplicated.” As supported by longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, depressive symptoms and a length of one year or longer are presented as the principle criteria for “uncomplicated bereavement.” Finally, the intertwining of bereavement and mood disorder is discussed. At this point, the proposed diagnosis and tentative criteria are intended to spawn specific questions for research that would establish “complicated bereavement” as a reliable, valid diagnosis for the adult population.