title: [Abnormal responses to the loss of a loved one].
abstract: The loss of one's partner is always a stressful event. If this loss cannot be adequately coped with, depression, psychosomatic disorders or addictive disorders may result. In the worst case scenario, the victim of such a loss may resort to suicide or even kill the partner insisting on a separation. An active life, new personal contacts, or the support of a self-help group may help suffers to cope with the crisis more readily. Severe disorders--in part determined by the personality structure of the grieving partner--may require treatment by pharmaceuticals or cognitive therapy.
authors.affiliation: Rheinische Kliniken, Kliniken der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf. webers1@smail.uni-koeln.de
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lehmann
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D001601:Bereavement; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006708:Homicide / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention