Most people experience "normal grief" with the loss of a loved one. For a small percentage of people experiencing bereavement, intervention can ameliorate health effects including:

• depression,
• suicidal thoughts,
• substance abuse,
• chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, hypothyroidism and other psychosomatic illnesses.

Assessment and treatment are discussed in the following material.

After completing this module you will be able to:

1. Identify and understand common features of grief.
2. Name three disorders of physical health and two common psychological disorders that may be aggravated by bereavement, also two disorders peculiar to bereavement and/or psychological trauma.
3. Name two causes of increased mortality after bereavement.
4. Name one essential and two contributory features of Complicated Grief.
5. Name three risk factors for problematic bereavement.
6. Name three features of clinical depression that distinguish it from complicated grief.
7. Describe two interventions likely to reduce the risk after bereavement.
8. Assess the risk of suicide and take appropriate action.