What is the definition of complicated grief?

Complicated grief is defined as unresolved grief that persists over a long period of time. This condition is characterized by an intense and long-lasting form of grief that significantly impairs a person's ability to function in daily life. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may find it difficult to accept the loss, engage with others, or move forward, often feeling stuck in their pain. This type of grief can manifest as severe emotional pain, difficulty in accepting the loss, and an ongoing longing for the deceased, leading to a significant disruption in a person's emotional well-being.

In contrast to normal grief, which typically involves a range of emotions but eventually subsides, complicated grief requires specific interventions and support to help individuals cope and begin to heal. The other definitions presented—brief periods of grieving, quick resolution of normal grief, and grief related to transitions—do not capture the prolonged and intense nature of complicated grief, making those options less appropriate in defining the term accurately.