IPT vs. CGT for the Patient with Complicated Grief

Depression with bereavement is common. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of bereaved persons experience complicated grief, which is different from depression. Complicated grief lasts more than six months after the death of the loved one and includes features of disbelief, anger, and bitterness about the death; painful emotions with intense yearning for the deceased; and preoccupation with thoughts of the loved one and intrusive thoughts related to the death. Complicated grief does not respond well to conventional treatment for depression. Shear and colleagues compared response to interpersonal therapy (IPT) with targeted complicated grief treatment (CGT) in patients with complicated grief.

Participants meeting criteria for complicated grief,...