What symptom is associated with Prolonged Grief Disorder?

Prolonged Grief Disorder is characterized by severe and persistent grief that lasts longer than what is considered culturally or situationally appropriate following the death of a loved one. One of the hallmark symptoms of this disorder is the experience of emotional numbness. Individuals may feel disconnected from their feelings, struggles to experience positive emotions, and exhibit a pervasive sense of emptiness or sorrow that does not seem to improve over time.

This symptom stands in contrast to a healthy grieving process, where although sadness is experienced, individuals can still find moments of joy and engagement with life. In Prolonged Grief Disorder, the emotional numbness can significantly hinder one’s ability to engage with daily living, leading to complications in various aspects of life. It's important to recognize this symptom's role in distinguishing Prolonged Grief Disorder from other forms of coping with loss, highlighting the disorder's impact on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being.