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Understanding bereavement-related depression: the polemical journey of DSM-5

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 June 2014

I. Ibrahim
I. Ibrahim*
Affiliation:
Wilton, Cork, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Izaida Ibrahim, MSc (Psych), MSc FPC, 25, Sandbrook, Sarsfield Road, Wilton, Cork, Ireland. (Email: [email protected] or [email protected])
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Abstract

Objective

This paper will bring you on a polemical journey to understand the issues related in conceptualizing bereavement-related depression.

Method

A critical narrative review was carried out to evaluate arguments and controversies surrounding DSM-IV classifications of bereavement exclusion for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Result

Available studies that are associated with bereavement exclusion criteria, the open trials and treatments with the implications of such conceptualizations and the current removal of the bereavement exclusion from MDD in DSM-5 were addressed.

Conclusion

The review highlights the never-ending polemical journey of conceptualizing any mental disorders, bereavement-related depression included.

Keywords

BereavementcontroversiesclassificationdepressionDSM-IVDSM-5evaluation
Type
Review Article
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 31 , Issue 3 , September 2014 , pp. 195 - 202
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2014 

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