Prolonged Grief Disorder: Treatment Approaches and the Spiritual Dimensions of Healing

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a recently recognized mental health condition characterized by persistent, intense grief that continues beyond culturally appropriate norms and causes significant functional impairment. This review examines the current diagnostic conceptualization of PGD, including its inclusion in both the ICD-11 and DSM5-TR, and explores the evidence supporting its distinction as a separate diagnostic entity. We synthesize research on prevalence, risk factors, and treatment approaches, with special emphasis on evidence-based psychological interventions. Furthermore, this article incorporates perspectives on the spiritual dimensions of grief and healing, drawing from the interdisciplinary work of Ungar-Sargon on holistic approaches to recovery and healing. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed, highlighting the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers and continued development of targeted therapeutic approaches.