On the classification and diagnosis of pathological grief

It has been suggested that pathological grief should become either a separa te category of mental disorder or be integrated within existing, extended c lassifications in systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Despite strong arguments for inclusion, and advancements by scientists toward development of diagnostic classification, there has be en a lack of critical evaluation. Several issues need further scrutiny and clarification. These concern the definition of pathological grief, the dist inction of pathological from normal grief its relationship with other disor ders, and the lack of agreement among scientists about criteria for patholo gical grief. Further research needs to focus on delineation of syndromes th at comprise "pathological grief," and on derivation of acceptable, valid, d iagnostic criteria. Evaluation of the ramifications-both positive and poten tially negative-associated with the revision of the diagnostic status of pa thological grief needs also to be undertaken. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd .