Unanticipated Loss of a Loved One Can Lead to Psychiatric Disturbance

The death of a loved one, particularly when unanticipated, has been associated with increased rates of psychiatric disturbance. These researchers analyzed data from a national epidemiological study to examine links between traumatic exposures (unanticipated deaths of loved ones, as well as interpersonal violence, injuries, witnessed events, etc.), and nine psychiatric disorders — major depressive episode, dysthymia, manic episode, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol use disorders. Participants were 27,534 individuals who completed surveys in 2001 and 2004–2005.

Among the 80% of individuals who reported one or more traumatic events, >30% identified the unexp…