The “bereavement exclusion” was a paragraph in the DSM-4 that cautioned against diagnosing depression in someone for at least two months after the loss of a loved one, unless that patient had severe symptoms like suicidal thoughts. The DSM-4 recognizes that symptoms that look like depression are a normal part of human emotion following the death of a loved one.
The revised DSM-5 will eliminate the “bereavement exclusion.” Without the exception, anyone experiencing normal symptoms of grief two weeks after the loss of a loved one can be diagnosed with and treated for depression.
According to Dr. David Kupfer of The University of Pittsburgh, “with the “bereavement exclusion,” depression was often underdiagnosed in older adults. When people’s health suffered and they lost friends and loved ones, the sentiment was, “why wouldn’t they be depressed?” A few decades back, Dr. Kupfer said, “what was striking to me was the lack of anyone getting a depression diagnosis, because that was ‘normal aging.’”
Even though everyone experiences grief differently, grief is a necessary response to the loss of a loved one and part of the human experience. Regardless of the revised DSM-5 criteria, clinicians should take caution to avoid under- and over-diagnosing depression in bereaved individuals and include compassion and empathy as a key part of effective therapy.
Do you have a family member who suffers from special needs, clinical depression, or any of the disorders outlined in the DSM? At the Fairfax Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, our team provides life-long guidance, management, and oversight on vital issues such as medical and nursing care, housing options, financial management, estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid eligibility, and more for our clients and their families. Call 703-691-1888 or visit our website at www.farrlawfirm.com to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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