How do you differentiate normal grief from complicated grief and when should you refer for specialized treatment?

How do you differentiate normal grief from complicated grief and when should you refer for specialized treatment?

• A. Normal grief includes sadness, yearning, and disruption for a limited period; complicated grief involves persistent preoccupation with the loss and impairment beyond cultural norms; refer when symptoms persist beyond 6-12 months or cause significant impairment.
• B. Normal grief lasts for years and is pathological.
• C. Grief is the same as major depressive disorder.
• D. Grief always requires pharmacotherapy.

Answer: (A)