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Traumatic grief

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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Traumatic grief, or separation trauma, is a condition in which a person feels great anxiety, loneliness, and intense longing after the death of a loved one. These symptoms last 6 or more months and can take much of a person's focus and energy.

A person with traumatic grief feels anxiety related directly to the loss of a loved one. This condition differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition in which a person is anxious and fearful that traumatic events will occur again.

Traumatic grief can be treated by a health professional and a grief counselor.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007