Diagnostic criteria for complications of bereavement in the DSM-5

Abstract

the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Volume 5 (DSM-5) is the most recent update (2013) in a series published by the American Psychiatric Association which aims to provide authoritative guidance to psychiatrists on the diagnosis of mental disorders. This article outlines the main changes in the DSM-5 regarding issues relating to bereavement, including discussion of diagnostic categories of Major Depressive Episodes, Adjustment Disorder, Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD) and Separation Anxiety Disorder.

Keywords:

• DSM-5
• DSM-IV
• complicated grief
• prolonged grief disorder
• persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD)