Problem Classification Characteristics

Somatic distress

  • Occurs in waves lasting from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Deep, sighing respirations most common when discussing grief.
  • Lack of strength.
  • Loss of appetite and sense of taste.
  • Tightness in throat.
  • Choking sensation accompanied by shortness of breath.

Preoccupation with image of deceased

  • Occurs in waves lasting from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Deep, sighing respirations most common when discussing grief.
  • Lack of strength.
  • Loss of appetite and sense of taste.
  • Tightness in throat.
  • Choking sensation accompanied by shortness of breath.

Preoccupation with image of deceased

  • Similar to daydreaming.
  • May mistake others for deceased person.
  • May be oblivious to surroundings.
  • Slight sense of unreality.
  • Fear that he or she is becoming “insane”.

Feelings of guilt

  • Accuses self of negligence.
  • Exaggerates existence and importance of negative thoughts, feelings, and actions toward deceased.
  • Views self as having failed deceased-“If I had only...""

Feelings of hostility

  • Irritability, anger, and loss of warmth toward others.
  • May attempt to handle feelings of hostility in formalized and stiff manner of social interaction.

Loss of patterns of conduct

  • Inability to initiate or maintain organized patterns of activity.
  • Restlessness, with aimless movements.
  • Loss of zest-tasks and activities are carried on as though with great effort.
  • Activities formerly carried on in company of deceased have lost their significance.
  • May become strongly dependent on whomever stimulates him or her to activity.