Prolonged Grief Disorder: 2025 Statistics

Back to Top

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a recognised mental health condition where the acute pain of bereavement remains intense, persistent, and debilitating long after a loss, severely impairing daily life. Officially added to the DSM-5-TR in 2022, its diagnosis gives legitimacy to a unique and severe form of suffering that goes beyond the typical grieving process.

While grief is universal, the circumstances of a loss can dramatically increase the risk of developing this disorder. The prevalence of PGD can skyrocket to as high as 49% among survivors of traumatic loss, compared to approximately 9.8% among those bereaved by natural, non-violent deaths. This stark contrast highlights that for many, grief is not just a process to be endured, but a significant psychiatric condition requiring recognition and support.

• Overall Prevalence and General Numbers
• Breakdown by Key Demographics
• Co-occurrence and Related Conditions
• The Most Serious Consequences
• Conclusion
• Sources

Overall Prevalence and General Numbers

• General Adult Prevalence: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) estimates that 7-10% of bereaved adults will experience the persistent symptoms of PGD.
• Global Average: A 2024 cross-national analysis found an average PGD prevalence of 13% across all samples. However, in more representative probability samples, the rate was estimated at 5% .
• Recent US Data: A 2024 US study found a presumptive PGD prevalence of 20.4% among bereaved adults in a web-based survey, suggesting rates may be higher in some populations or when using specific screening methods.
• Prevalence in Youth: An estimated 5-10% of bereaved children and adolescents will experience depression, PTSD, and/or PGD.

Back to Top

---

Breakdown by Key Demographics

• By Age Group:
  • Older adults are consistently identified as being at higher risk for PGD.
  • Among Norwegian adults aged 40+ , higher age was associated with more severe grief reactions.
• By Gender:
  • Studies have associated the female gender with more severe grief reactions.
  • Caregivers, who are often women, are also at higher risk.
• By Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors:
  • Lower socioeconomic status and non-Norwegian ethnicity were linked to severe grief in a Norwegian study.
  • Critically, most PGD diagnostic criteria are based on Western populations, and there is a need for more transcultural research to understand grief's expression across different cultures.

Back to Top

---

Co-occurrence and Related Conditions

• Co-morbidity with other Disorders: A recent US study found high rates of co-occurring conditions among those with PGD, including:
  • 33.9% also met criteria for PTSD.
  • 30.2% also met criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
• Sleep Disruption: Sleep problems are a major feature of PGD. An estimated 80% of people with the disorder experience long-term poor sleep.
• Link to Traumatic Loss: The nature of the death is one of the strongest predictors. The risk of PGD, PTSD, and MDD is greatest among those who experience the traumatic loss of a psychologically close person.
• Other Key Risk Factors:
  • A personal history of depression or bipolar disorder.
  • Being a caregiver for the deceased person, especially with pre-loss depression.

Back to Top

---

The Most Serious Consequences

• Functional Impairment: By definition, PGD causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
• Health and Healthcare Use:
  • Severe grief reactions are associated with poorer self-reported physical and mental health.
  • Those with severe grief are also shown to have increased use of health services, indicating a higher burden on the healthcare system.
• Risk of Suicidality: While not a core symptom, the intense emotional pain and hopelessness of PGD, especially when co-occurring with depression and PTSD, can increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Support lifelines are a critical resource.

Back to Top

---

The Positive Outlook and Solutions

• Effectiveness of Interventions: Evidence-based treatments are available. Therapies incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), such as Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), have been shown to be effective.
  Access to Solutions: A significant barrier remains. Many with PGD, particularly caregivers, may not access mental health services. Furthermore, there is a global lack of therapists trained in PGD, highlighting a need for more accessible care models.
• Coping and Support:
  • Professional Help: Seeking support from a healthcare provider or counsellor is key.
  • Social Support: Talking with friends, family, or joining bereavement support groups can be very helpful.
  • Maintaining Routines: Creating structure, including regular sleep schedules and healthy eating, can provide a sense of control and stability.

Back to Top

---

Conclusion

Prolonged Grief Disorder is a serious and impairing condition affecting a significant minority of the bereaved, with rates escalating dramatically following traumatic loss. Its strong association with other mental health disorders and its impact on daily functioning underscore its public health relevance. While barriers to care exist, the development of effective, evidence-based treatments and coping strategies provides a clear path toward healing and recovery.

Back to Top

---

Sources

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2022). Prolonged Grief Disorder.
• Rheingold AA, Williams JL, et al. (2024). Prevalence and Co-Occurrence of Psychiatric Conditions Among Bereaved Adults. JAMA Network Open.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Grief - How Right Now.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.). RDoC Construct: Loss.
• Hilberdink CE, Ghainder K, et al. (2023). Bereavement issues and prolonged grief disorder: A global perspective. Global Mental Health (Cambridge).
• Comtesse H, Smid GE, et al. (2024). Cross-national analysis of the prevalence of prolonged grief disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders.
• Thimm JC, Kristoffersen AE, & Ringberg U. (2020). The prevalence of severe grief reactions after bereavement and their associations with mental health, physical health, and health service utilisation. European Journal of Psychotraumatology.

Back to Top