Anxiety and Bereavement

Anxiety is a common emotional response following the loss of a loved one. For some individuals, anxiety during bereavement may reach clinical levels of severity and impairment. In addition, studies suggest that anxiety symptoms and disorders may complicate the grieving process and contribute to prolonged periods of acute grief. This chapter will review the relevant research on the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders among bereaved individuals as well as predictors and risk factors of anxiety in this population. In addition, the authors will suggest areas for future research that can lead to a better understanding of anxiety in the context of bereavement as well as improved recognition of and intervention for anxiety and associated impairment among the bereaved.