The adult patient experiencing bereaved after the death of a loved person - the role of the general practitioner

Maria Rogiewicz; Krzysztof Buczkowski

Vol 5, No 1 (2006): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2006-04-21

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The adult patient experiencing bereaved after the death of a loved person - the role of the general practitioner

Maria Rogiewicz, Krzysztof Buczkowski

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2006;5(1):21-29.

Vol 5, No 1 (2006): Polish Palliative Medicine

Artykuły poglądowe

Published online: 2006-04-21

Abstract

Bereavement as the consequence of a loss of a loved person begins after his death. Its aim is the real acceptance of the loss. Everybody experiences bereavement in a specific way. This unique process depends on many factors and usually lasts 1-2 years. It affects all spheres of life - mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Availability of support from relatives, physician, psychologist, nurse and priest plays an important role in grief. The general practitioner supports the bereaved and tries to monitor the course of grief. Knowledge about the phases of bereavement, defense mechanisms, and bereavement-related stereotypes is very helpful. There is a difference in the grief of a widow, a widower and orphans. When caring for the bereaved, the general practitioner tries to recognize the abnormalities of this process which could require consultation. Bereavement is also a time of increased somatic morbidity and mortality.