grief specialist tests overview

Overview

Grief is the natural emotional response to losing someone or something important. While grief is a normal part of life, sometimes it can become complicated and last a long time. A grief specialist is a trained professional who can help you understand if your grief is following a typical path or if you might benefit from extra support. 'Tests' in this context are not medical lab tests; they are structured conversations, questionnaires, and assessments that help the specialist understand your experience.

Grief is universal – everyone experiences loss at some point. However, complicated grief (prolonged grief disorder) is less common, affecting about 1 in 10 people who have lost a loved one.

Anyone can experience grief. It can affect people of all ages, from children to the elderly. Some people may be more at risk for complicated grief, such as those who experienced a sudden or traumatic loss, or those with a history of depression or anxiety.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Intense sadness or yearning for the person you lost
• Preoccupation with thoughts of the deceased or the circumstances of the death
• Difficulty accepting the loss
• Avoidance of reminders of the loss
• Emotional numbness or detachment from others
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy

Symptoms in children

• Changes in behaviour, such as acting out or withdrawal
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches
• Regressive behaviours like bedwetting or thumb sucking
• Anxiety about the health or safety of other loved ones

Symptoms in older adults

• Feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially after losing a spouse or peers
• Physical health problems may worsen
• Grief can be mistaken for depression or dementia
• Difficulty finding meaning or purpose after loss
• May have more complicated grief due to multiple losses over time

Causes

Main causes

• Loss of a loved one through death
• Loss of a relationship (divorce, breakup)
• Loss of a pet
• Loss of a job, home, or health
• Any significant life change that involves loss

Risk factors

• Sudden, unexpected, or violent loss (e.g., accident, suicide, homicide)
• Multiple losses in a short period
• Lack of a strong support network
• Personal history of depression, anxiety, or trauma
• Caregiver strain before the loss
• Young age at time of loss

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your grief does not seem to get better after a year or more
• If grief is interfering with your daily life – work, relationships, self-care
• If you feel stuck in intense grief and cannot move forward
• If you are using substances to cope with your loss

Diagnosis

A grief specialist, such as a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This typically involves a clinical interview and may include standardised questionnaires to evaluate symptoms of prolonged grief disorder or depression. There are no blood tests or scans for grief. The specialist will ask about your loss, your feelings, how long you have been grieving, and how it affects your daily life.

Tests that may be done

• Clinical interview to discuss your loss and reactions
• Questionnaires such as the Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) scale or Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) – these are self-report tools that help measure the severity of grief
• Assessment for co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What to expect at your appointment

The assessment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The specialist will listen without judgment. They may ask about your relationship with the person you lost, the circumstances of the death, and how you have been coping. You may also be asked about your physical health, sleeping and eating patterns, and any previous mental health history. The goal is to understand your unique experience and determine if you have complicated grief that might benefit from targeted therapy.

Treatment

Treatment for complicated grief usually involves talking therapies, particularly a type of therapy called complicated grief therapy (CGT) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These therapies help you process the loss and gradually re-engage with life. Medication is not typically a first-line treatment for grief, but it may be used if you also have depression or anxiety. Most importantly, treatment is supportive and tailored to your needs.

Self-care at home

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment
• Maintain a daily routine, including regular meals and sleep
• Reach out to friends or family members for support
• Consider joining a grief support group
• Engage in gentle physical activity, like walking
• Avoid numbing your feelings with alcohol or excessive work

Medical treatments

If a grief specialist determines you have prolonged grief disorder, they may recommend a course of therapy such as complicated grief therapy (CGT). CGT focuses on helping you process the loss and work through the feelings that keep you stuck. If you also have significant depression or anxiety, your doctor might discuss the option of antidepressant medication, but this is not a treatment for grief itself. Always discuss medication options with your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for grief. If you have physical symptoms that require surgery, those would be addressed separately by your medical team.

Living with this condition

Living with grief is an individual journey. Some days will be harder than others. It is common to have waves of sadness, especially on anniversaries or holidays. Be patient with yourself. Over time, the pain usually becomes less intense, and you can start to find meaning again. It's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a balanced daily schedule
• Make time for rest and relaxation
• Stay connected with people who care about you
• Consider keeping a journal to express your thoughts
• Avoid major life changes right after a significant loss

Diet and exercise

Eating well and staying active can help you manage the physical and emotional effects of grief. Try to eat regular meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming can help lift your mood and improve sleep. Listen to your body and don't push yourself too hard.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Grief can take a toll on your mental health. You may feel more anxious, depressed, or irritable than usual. It is normal to have these feelings, but if they become overwhelming or last for a long time, it is important to seek professional help. Grief can also trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions.

Prevention

Grief itself cannot be prevented; it is a natural response to loss. However, if you anticipate a loss (for example, a loved one's terminal illness), you can prepare emotionally. Having a strong support network and good coping skills may help reduce the risk of complicated grief.

Vaccines

If relevant, staying up to date on vaccines is important for overall health, but it is not directly related to grief.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for grief. However, if you have experienced a major loss, your healthcare provider may ask about your emotional wellbeing as part of a general check-up.

Complications

If left untreated

• Prolonged grief disorder can lead to severe depression and anxiety
• Increased risk of substance misuse
• Difficulty maintaining relationships or returning to work
• Higher risk of physical health problems like heart disease
• Social isolation and loneliness

Long-term outlook

Most people adapt to loss over time, especially with support. Even when grief is complicated, effective treatments are available. With the right help, people can learn to live with their loss and find meaning again. Recovery does not mean forgetting – it means finding a way to carry the loss while still engaging with life.

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