Keywords
1. Prolonged Grief Disorder Prevalence
2. PGD Cross-national Study
3. Bereavement Sociocultural Impact
4. Mental Health Global Analysis
5. Grief Disorder International Classification
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders on January 20, 2024, researchers have released a comprehensive cross-national analysis detailing the prevalence of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), now officially recognized as a diagnosis in international classification systems. Their findings, which hinge on an extensive review of multiple studies encompassing diverse populations, shed light on the sociocultural underpinnings that influence the way individuals process grief worldwide. Here, we offer an in-depth look at their research and its implications for the understanding and support of those experiencing PGD.
According to the study authored by Comtesse Hannah H. of the Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, along with colleagues from various esteemed institutions, PGD is a public health concern that affects individuals globally, with varying prevalence dependent on multiple factors, including the methodology of studies, the age of the sample populations, and the vulnerabilities of the countries analyzed.
Prolonged grief disorder is marked by persistent and intense grief lasting beyond the typical period of bereavement, leading to significant distress and impairment in personal, social, or occupational functioning. With its recent inclusion in the DSM-5-TR and ICD-11, there is now an international recognition that PGD requires more attention from mental health professionals and researchers alike.
The study in question evaluated data extracted from 24 prevalence studies, as well as global indices such as the World Bank data and the 2022 World Risk Report. By employing negative binomial regressions, the team of researchers aimed to examine the potential predictors of PGD prevalence across different countries and contexts. Ultimately, the average rate of PGD was calculated using random effects models.
Their analysis, backed by a substantial sample of 34 groups comprising 20,347 participants from 16 countries, revealed an average PGD prevalence of 13% (95% CI [11, 22]), noting significant variance between probability (5%, 95% CI [3, 11]) and non-probability samples (16%, 95% CI [13, 25]). Notably, datasets from Europe and North America formed the bulk of the study’s representation, raising questions about the generalizability of these findings to populations elsewhere. Additionally, the researchers found that non-probability sampling methods, older mean age within the samples, and lower vulnerability scores of countries were all associated with higher reported rates of PGD.
The study’s lead author, Comtesse Hannah H., emphasizes that methodological diligence is paramount when researching PGD prevalence, yet the results undeniably point to the condition’s significance for public health, particularly in nations with better access to daily necessities and healthcare services.
This comprehensive research carries several implications, both for mental health professionals and policy makers. It suggests that sociocultural factors, including a country’s vulnerability and access to resources, might significantly influence the processing of grief, raising the question of whether interventions might need to be tailored to fit different cultural contexts. Furthermore, the overrepresentation of data from Europe and North America implies the need for more diversified research to capture a truly global picture of PGD.
Given the findings, there is an urgent call for further investigations into cross-national differences in PGD. This will not only improve our understanding of the disorder but will also inform the development of more culturally sensitive support systems and treatment options.
For those working in clinical settings, this study underscores the importance of recognizing PGD as a serious condition that requires adequate diagnosis and treatment, while also considering the cultural framework within which the individual is grieving. Mental health services around the world might need to adapt their approach to support those with PGD, based on the country-specific insights derived from this research.
In addition, the research prompts a discussion on the role of global healthcare policy in addressing mental health disorders linked to bereavement and loss. With PGD now part of the lexicon of internationally recognized conditions, global health agencies can no longer afford to overlook its impact on the wellbeing of individuals, regardless of regional or cultural affiliations.
In closing, the efforts of researchers Comtesse Hannah H., Smid Geert E., Rummel Anna-Maria, Spreeuwenberg Peter, Lundorff Marie, and Dückers Michel L. A., have made a significant contribution to our understanding of PGD. By providing data-driven insights into the condition’s prevalence and the factors that may contribute to its manifestation across different cultures and nations, their work paves the way for a more inclusive and effective approach to mental health care for those experiencing prolonged and complicated grief.
The following references and DOI are linked to the article discussed:
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.094
References
1. Comtesse, H. H., Smid, G. E., Rummel, A. M., Spreeuwenberg, P., Lundorff, M., & Dückers, M. L. A. (2024). Cross-national analysis of the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 350, 359-365.
2. American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Association.
3. World Health Organization. (2022). International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11).
4. The World Bank Data. (Retrieved 2023).
5. World Risk Report. (2022).