| Problem Classification | Characteristics |
|---|
| 1. Somatic distress | - Occurs in waves lasting from 20 min to 1 hr
- 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
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| 2. 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”
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| 3. 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 . . .”
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| 4. 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
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| 5. 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
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