What is the term used for complicated bereavement following death or loss?

The correct term for complicated bereavement following death or loss is grief. Grief is a multifaceted emotional response that encompasses various reactions to loss, including those that can be prolonged and complicated. This can manifest as intense sorrow, anger, confusion, and changes in behavior and thought processes.

Complicated grief often refers to a situation where these feelings are so profound and enduring that they interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. This may occur when an individual struggles to come to terms with the death and experiences persistent longing for the deceased, difficulty moving forward, and other challenges that hinder the healing process.

Its distinction from the other options lies in its complexity and the impact it has on the individual after a significant loss, making it a specific and clinically recognized condition in mental health and bereavement studies. Other terms like loss, trauma, and sadness individually capture aspects of the emotional experience but do not encapsulate the ongoing struggle associated with complicated bereavement as fully as grief does.