Immunological and neuroimaging biomarkers of complicated grief.
Title | Immunological and neuroimaging biomarkers of complicated grief. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2012 |
Authors | O'Connor M-F |
Journal | Dialogues Clin Neurosci |
Volume | 14 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 141-8 |
Date Published | 2012 Jun |
ISSN | 1958-5969 |
Keywords | Adjustment Disorders, Biomarkers, Brain, Grief, Humans, Neuroimaging |
Abstract | Complicated grief (CG) is a disorder marked by intense and persistent yearning for the deceased, in addition to other criteria. The present article reviews what is known about the immunologic and neuroimaging biomarkers of both acute grief and CG, Attachment theory and cognitive stress theory are reviewed as they pertain to bereavement, as is the biopsychosocial model of CG. Reduced immune cell function has been replicated in a variety of bereaved populations. The regional brain activation to grief cues frequently includes the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and insula, and also the posterior cingulate cortex. Using theory to point to future research directions, we may eventually learn which biomarkers are helpful in predicting CG, and its treatment. |
Alternate Journal | Dialogues Clin Neurosci |
PubMed ID | 22754286 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC3384442 |
Grant List | K01-AG028404 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States |