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Psychiatric Problems Following Bereavement by Murder or Manslaughter

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Colin Murray Parkes*
Affiliation:
The London Hospital Medical College, London E1 2AD

Abstract

Bereavement by murder or manslaughter is often associated with a high incidence of factors which increase the risk of lasting psychological problems after bereavement. In this study it appears that self-perpetuating vicious circles often accounted for the persistence of symptoms, which fitted the diagnostic categories of post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety states, panic syndromes, obsessive revenge-seeking, and depression. Therapeutic approaches should be aimed at interrupting these vicious circles and fostering the work of grieving.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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