With the recent release of the DSM-5-TR, clinicians are eager to learn about updates, especially with new diagnoses. This new DSM edition ushers in only one official new diagnosis, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). This training will present the new diagnosis and its criteria, explore the pros and cons of such a diagnosis, and examine methods of assessing for PGD. The use of diverse interventions and tools will be covered. Clinicians will feel more informed about this new diagnosis and better prepared to support clients who may have PGD.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Articulate diagnostic criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and analyze the pros and cons of the diagnosis.
- Conceptualize an understanding of clients with PGD and formulate goals and interventions.
- Create and utilize diverse treatment interventions to assist clients in the resolution of PGD.
Syllabus:
Introduction to Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
- Define Prolonged Grief Disorder and its inclusion in the DSM-5-TR
- Understand the removal of the bereavement exclusion in DSM-5
- Discuss the pathologizing of grief and the significance of recognizing PGD
Objective #1: Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Features
- Grief duration of at least 12 months in adults, 6 months in children
- Core symptoms include intense yearning and preoccupation with the deceased
- Additional symptoms: emotional pain, disbelief, avoidance, numbness, loneliness, and social difficulties
Objective #2: Debating the Diagnosis: Pros and Cons
- Benefits include accurate diagnosis and treatment access
- Concerns about labeling normal grief and undermining emotional trust
- Discuss diverse professional perspectives and public responses
Objective #3: Impact of COVID-19 on Grief
- Increased PGD rates due to unexpected deaths and disrupted rituals
- Social isolation and lack of support intensified grief experiences
- Vulnerability of older adults during the pandemic
Objective #4: Risk Factors and Grief Conceptualization
- Factors: previous mental health issues, childhood trauma, socioeconomic status, and loss of a child or spouse
- Emotional, cognitive, and behavioral expressions of PGD
- Grief as a stalled process rather than a failure to cope
Objective #5: Differentiating PGD from PTSD
- PTSD rooted in trauma; PGD centered on attachment and loss
- Contrast symptom clusters and emotional responses
- Social support and reorientation to life as distinguishing factors
Objective #6: Treatment Goals for PGD
- Reduce grief symptom frequency and intensity
- Encourage emotional processing and expression
- Support re-engagement with meaningful life activities and social connection
- Facilitate acceptance of the loss and decreased avoidance
Objective #7: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy
- Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT) structure: introduction, middle, and termination phases
- Use of psychoeducation, imaginal revisiting, situational exposure, and personal goal development
Objective #8: General Interventions and Case Application
- Grief monitoring diaries and self-care focus
- Revisiting exercises, memories, and imaginal conversations
- Work on psychological blocks, including rumination and avoidance
- Case example: Martha’s journey through grief and therapeutic milestones
Additional Treatment Modalities and Resources
- Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Art and Music Therapy
- Inclusion of family and spiritual supports
- Use of “Healing Milestones” and “Growing Around Grief” frameworks
- Access to self-compassion exercises, structured interviews, and online clinician resources
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: 4/10/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com