Diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder among older adults: mapping physicians’ knowledge and practice, and evaluating the effectiveness of a brief targeted training program - Report - MDSpire

Diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder among older adults: mapping physicians’ knowledge and practice, and evaluating the effectiveness of a brief targeted training program

  • By

  • Alexander Manevich

  • Daphna Shefet

  • Yael Orion

  • Nili Elior

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Assessing Physicians' Understanding of Prolonged Grief Disorder

Overview

This study evaluates physicians' knowledge and practices regarding Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in older adults and assesses the effectiveness of a targeted training program. Findings indicate a significant gap in understanding PGD diagnostic criteria among physicians.

Background

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a recently recognized psychiatric condition with serious implications for mental health, particularly among older adults who face multiple losses. The condition is linked to various psychological and physical comorbidities.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • PGD is characterized by intense yearning for the deceased and persistent preoccupation with them.
  • Older adults are at a heightened risk for developing PGD due to increased experiences of loss.
  • Many physicians lack sufficient knowledge of PGD diagnostic criteria, leading to under-recognition.
  • The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief informational intervention on physicians' understanding of PGD.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should prioritize training on PGD to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes for older adults. Increased awareness and understanding of PGD can lead to better management of psychological distress in this vulnerable population.

Conclusion

The study assesses physicians' understanding of Prolonged Grief Disorder and the effectiveness of a targeted training program.

Related Resources & Content

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov, 2023 -- Assessing Physicians' Understanding of PGD
  2. conexiant — What Reviews May Miss About Prolonged Grief Disorder
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Telehealth Group Therapy Tailored for Age: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Depression in Older Adults with and without Anxiety Comorbidities (VISION-AGE) Using an Integrated Mixed-Methods Approach
  4. conexiant — Psychotherapy Leads Evidence for Bereavement Care
  5. The ASCO Post — All Adult Oncologists Are Geriatric Oncologists
  6. What Reviews May Miss About Prolonged Grief Disorder
  7. Psychotherapy Leads Evidence for Bereavement Care
  8. Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder - StatPearls
  9. Clinical descriptions and
  10. Treatments for Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
  11. Treatments for Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis - PubMed
  12. Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Psychiatric Conditions Among Bereaved Adults
  13. Prolonged grief disorder: detection, diagnosis, and approaches to intervention - Prigerson - 2024 - World Psychiatry - Wiley Online Library
  14. Prolonged Grief Disorder | New England Journal of Medicine
  15. Cognitive Behavior Therapy vs Mindfulness in Treatment of Prolonged Grief Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PMC
  16. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
  17. On the Classification and Reporting of Prolonged Grief: Assessment and Research Guidelines - PMC
  18. Prolonged grief disorder

Original Source(s)

Related Content