Introduction: In 2022, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). Empirical research indicated that it affects about 10 percent of the bereaved, even though there is still a lack of study in the Italian context. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and correlates of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) symptom severity in a large sample of Italian adults. Method: A sample of 1,603 bereaved (62.1% females, mean age = 29.39 ± 13.27 years) completed selfreported data on PGD, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive characteristics and bereavement-related information were also collected. Results: Among participants who lost a close person for at least 12 months, the frequency of potential PGD and severe suicidal ideation within the sample was 7.7% (n = 104) and 0.7% (n = 9), respectively. The PGD diagnosis was distinct from depression (phi = 0.25), anxiety (phi = 0.19), and stress (phi = 0.26). The severity of grief symptoms was related to older age, female gender, lower educational background, a shorter time since loss, being the main caregiver, and more suicidal ideation. Grief severity also varied by kinship, cause of death, and place of residence. Bereaved who lost a grandparent for old age living in a small or medium city scored lower. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PGD occurs among a significant minority of Italian people who are bereaved and represents a distinct diagnosis. Some demographic and loss-related characteristics of the bereaved seem to increase the risk of onset of the disorder. These findings may be useful for preventing and treating PGD.

Prevalence and correlates of prolonged grief disorder symptom severity among Italian adults

Alberto Sardella;Vittorio Lenzo
2024-01-01

Abstract

Introduction: In 2022, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR). Empirical research indicated that it affects about 10 percent of the bereaved, even though there is still a lack of study in the Italian context. This study sought to investigate the prevalence and correlates of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) symptom severity in a large sample of Italian adults. Method: A sample of 1,603 bereaved (62.1% females, mean age = 29.39 ± 13.27 years) completed selfreported data on PGD, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, and stress. Descriptive characteristics and bereavement-related information were also collected. Results: Among participants who lost a close person for at least 12 months, the frequency of potential PGD and severe suicidal ideation within the sample was 7.7% (n = 104) and 0.7% (n = 9), respectively. The PGD diagnosis was distinct from depression (phi = 0.25), anxiety (phi = 0.19), and stress (phi = 0.26). The severity of grief symptoms was related to older age, female gender, lower educational background, a shorter time since loss, being the main caregiver, and more suicidal ideation. Grief severity also varied by kinship, cause of death, and place of residence. Bereaved who lost a grandparent for old age living in a small or medium city scored lower. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PGD occurs among a significant minority of Italian people who are bereaved and represents a distinct diagnosis. Some demographic and loss-related characteristics of the bereaved seem to increase the risk of onset of the disorder. These findings may be useful for preventing and treating PGD.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/638869
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