grief screening test preparation

Overview

A grief screening test is a set of questions that helps your doctor or mental health professional understand how you are coping with a loss. It is not a test for normal grief, but rather a way to identify when grief might be becoming more complicated or lasting longer than expected, so that you can get the right support.

Yes, almost everyone will experience grief at some point. Complicated grief affects about 1 in 10 people who have lost someone close, so screening is a useful way to check if you might need extra help.

Grief can affect anyone of any age, background, or culture. It is most common after the death of a loved one, but can also happen after other losses like divorce, miscarriage, or losing a home.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Intense longing or yearning for the person who died
• Frequent thoughts or memories of the person that feel intrusive
• Difficulty accepting the loss or feeling numb about it
• Avoiding reminders of the person or, conversely, feeling drawn to them excessively
• Loss of interest in other relationships or activities
• Mood swings, irritability, or intense sadness
• Trouble sleeping, low energy, or changes in appetite

Symptoms in children

• Clinging to adults or being very withdrawn
• Regressing to earlier behaviors like bedwetting or thumb-sucking
• Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches
• Acting out or becoming aggressive in play

Symptoms in older adults

• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or pain
• Memory problems or confusion
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Increased use of alcohol or sleep aids
• Feelings of hopelessness or being a burden

Causes

Main causes

• The loss of a loved one through death
• A sudden or traumatic death, such as an accident, suicide, or violence
• The loss of a child or a partner
• Multiple losses in a short period
• Lack of social support or having few people to confide in

Risk factors

• Having a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Being in an especially close or dependent relationship with the person who died
• Experiencing other stressful events around the time of the loss
• Having a personal or family history of complicated grief

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have had the above emergency symptoms (thoughts of self-harm, severe inability to function).
• If you feel you are a danger to yourself or others.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your grief has lasted more than a year and still feels overwhelming or prevents you from returning to your usual life.
• If you notice that you are avoiding all reminders of the loss, or that your worry about the loss is taking over your thoughts.
• If your relationships with others are suffering because of your grief.

Diagnosis

A grief screening test is usually done during a routine doctor’s appointment or a mental health visit. You will be asked a series of questions about your feelings and behaviors since your loss. The test is not about passing or failing – it is a conversation starter.

Tests that may be done

• Prolonged Grief Disorder (PG-13) questionnaire
• Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG)
• The Grief Cognitions Questionnaire (GCQ)
• The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) which may be used alongside to check for depression

What to expect at your appointment

The test typically takes 10-15 minutes. You will answer questions like how often you feel longing, whether you avoid reminders, and how your day-to-day life has changed. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and suggest next steps, such as counseling or a referral to a specialist if needed.

Treatment

If the screening suggests you have complicated grief, treatment can help. The most effective approach is talk therapy, especially a type called cognitive behavioural therapy for grief (CBT-grief). This helps you process the loss, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and rebuild your life at your own pace.

Self-care at home

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment – crying, anger, or numbness are all part of grieving.
• Keep a routine for meals, sleep, and gentle exercise – routine can provide a sense of safety.
• Talk to trusted friends or family, or join a grief support group where you can share experiences with others who understand.
• Write in a journal or create a memory box to honour your loved one.

Medical treatments

In some cases, your doctor might discuss medication to help with co-occurring depression or anxiety. These are prescription medicines that must be started and monitored by a healthcare professional. They are not a cure for grief, but can make it easier to engage in therapy.

Living with this condition

Living with grief is a personal journey. Some days you may feel better than others. It is important to be patient with yourself and to let others support you. Over time, most people find that the painful feelings slowly become less intense, even though the love or sense of loss remains.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a steady sleep schedule and try to get some physical activity each day, even if it is just a short walk.
• Stay connected with people, even when you feel like withdrawing – loneliness can make grief harder.
• Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs, as they can interfere with healing and worsen depression.
• Honour your loved one in a way that feels meaningful – like lighting a candle on special days or continuing a tradition.

Diet and exercise

Eating well-balanced meals can help your body cope with stress. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can lift your mood and improve sleep. Start small and be kind to yourself if you don’t feel like doing much.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Grief can cause periods of sadness, anxiety, anger, or guilt. It can also affect your concentration, memory, and motivation. If these feelings last for months and interfere with your daily life, it may be a sign of complicated grief. A screening test can help clarify this, and therapy can help you heal.

Prevention

Grief itself cannot be prevented – it is a natural response to loss. However, having strong social support, talking about your feelings early on, and seeking help if you notice the warning signs of complicated grief can reduce the chance that it becomes severe.

Screening programmes

Grief screening tests are designed to catch complicated grief early, so you can get help before it takes a heavy toll on your health and daily life. If you have recently experienced a major loss, ask your doctor whether a screening might be right for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic depression and anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse, such as drinking too much or misusing medications
• Persistent trouble sleeping and poor physical health
• Social isolation and loneliness that worsens over time
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Long-term outlook

The outlook for grief is generally very positive. Most people find that with time and support, they are able to adjust and find new meaning in life. Even for those with complicated grief, treatment is effective and can help you regain a sense of hope and well-being.

Find support

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