Bereavement Professional

  • 1.  Bereavement and Schizophrenia

    Posted 05-27-2020 04:48 PM
    Hi all, 
    Does anyone have any advice or resources to support a person with schizophrenia grieving a death? Is there any increased risk for complicated grief or other issues.

    I'm sure that it puts the person at greater risk for a psychotic episode, are there any others? Any recommendations for prophylactic interventions? 

    I have searched for journal articles, but can find little on this topic. 

    Thanks in advance,
    -Reid

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    Reid M. Jacobs, APHSW-C, MSW, CT
    Bereavement Services Coordinator
    Faith and Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Pasadena, CA
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  • 2.  RE: Bereavement and Schizophrenia

    Posted 06-09-2020 12:07 PM
    Hi Reid, I am sorry but I do not have much on this subject as well. I came across one research article of any significance but i am sure you already saw that one. This article Please share with us any findings. 

    Wittmann, D., & Keshavan, M. (2007). Grief and mourning in schizophrenia. Psychiatry, 70(2), 154-66.

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    Karen Monts
    Director, Grief Support Services & Practice Manager, Counseling Services
    Northstar Care Community
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Bereavement and Schizophrenia

    Posted 06-10-2020 09:44 AM
    Hi Reid,

    I have worked successfully with folks who have experienced psychotic breaks. I think the most important thing is to encourage your client to work closely or be in touch with their psychiatrist as a preventive measure, even if symptoms seem to be in control at the moment. For my clients, I frame this as a protective measure so that if signs or symptoms appear, change or worsen, their medical professional already has a head's up and will be prepared to assist, either with additional therapy or medication management. If your person does not currently have a psychiatrist, I would highly recommend that they find one (or another professional who is able to diagnose and prescribe mental health medications, depending on your state. In PA, psychiatric nurse practitioners are a good alternative and usually easier to make an appointment with). While grief is not a mental health issue, it certainly can exacerbate underlying issues, so we want to make sure our most vulnerable folks have an excellent support system (both professional and social). I sometimes also work in coordination with a person's regular community therapist and always request that my clients speak with their regular therapist before supplementing with grief counseling (which seems to work well with about 95% of my clients, occasionally a therapist is using a specific technique and prefers their client to not see outside sources, which is also fine). 

    Hope that helps a bit, it is definitely an interesting and important question.

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    ElizabethBereavement CounselorPittsburghPA
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    Original Message


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