Some People Get ‘Stuck’ in Grief—Now Scientists Think They Know Why
Summary
Scientists are studying prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a condition where people can't move past grief after losing a loved one. Unlike typical grief that eases over time, PGD can last for more than six months and involves intense emotions. Researchers are investigating brain activity in people with PGD to understand why some individuals stay stuck in grief.Key Facts
- Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) is a condition where grief remains intense and unchanging for over six months.
- It was officially recognized as a diagnosis in 2018.
- PGD involves feelings of intense yearning and emotional pain that do not ease with time.
- Researchers found that PGD affects brain areas linked to desire, motivation, and emotion, like the nucleus accumbens and amygdala.
- Brain activity in people with PGD shows persistent activation of reward circuits when reminded of the deceased.
- The brain patterns in PGD show overlap with those in depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Scientists aim to find what specific brain changes are unique to PGD.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.