The Grief of Mothers After the Sudden Unexpected Death of Their Infants.

The Grief of Mothers After the Sudden Unexpected Death of Their Infants.

Title
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsGoldstein RD, Lederman RI, Lichtenthal WG, Morris SE, Human M, Elliott AJ, Tobacco D, Angal J, Odendaal H, Kinney HC, Prigerson HG
Corporate AuthorsPASS Network
JournalPediatrics
Volume141
Issue5
Date Published2018 May
ISSN1098-4275
Abstract

: media-1vid110.1542/5741323271001PEDS-VA_2017-3651 BACKGROUND: The loss of a child is associated with elevated grief severity, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of postneonatal mortality in the United States. The diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has gained broader acceptance and use. Little is known about PGD in mothers after SIDS.

METHODS: Between May 2013 and July 2016, we assessed 49 SIDS-bereaved mothers living in informal settlements near Cape Town, South Africa, and on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and 359 SIDS-bereaved mothers affiliated with SIDS parent-support organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. We examined PGD symptom severity and diagnostic prevalence rates between the samples and other significant grief indicators during the period 2 to 48 months after the deaths of their infants.

RESULTS: Extremely high, persistent, and similar rates of PGD were found in both samples at every time interval. The prevalence of PGD was 50.0% in either sample (mean months from loss: 20.5 vs 24.9). Daily, intrusive emotional pain or yearning was found in 68.1% of subjects; yearning was significantly associated with emotional pain ( < .0001). Role confusion and anger were the most prevalent symptoms, reported by the majority at every time interval. Rates of role confusion, anger, and diminished trust in others remained constant. Acceptance was less prevalent than other grief indicators at every interval.

CONCLUSIONS: Severe symptoms and heightened risk for PGD was seen in mothers after their infants died of SIDS, with discernible symptom profiles. Given their involvement with families after SIDS, pediatricians may have a unique role in identifying this problem and helping address its consequences.

DOI10.1542/peds.2017-3651
Alternate JournalPediatrics
PubMed ID29712764
Grant ListU01 HD045935 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States

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