Psychotherapy Leads Evidence for Bereavement Care
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By
February 4, 2026
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3 min
A systematic review in Annals of Internal Medicine identified psychotherapy as the only bereavement intervention with moderate-quality evidence for enhancing grief-related outcomes in adults. The review encompassed 169 randomized controlled trials across 303 publications, primarily focusing on adult grief. It highlighted the effectiveness of individual psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, while other interventions like peer support and self-help programs lacked sufficient evidence. Concerns about medicalizing normal grief were raised, urging physicians to discern between distress and pathology. Recommendations for future research include better trials and improved diversity in study populations.
1. Psychotherapy is the only intervention with moderate-quality evidence for grief improvement. 2. Review included 169 trials, focusing on adult grief. 3. Cognitive behavioral therapy significantly helps clients. 4. Peer and self-help programs showed no consistent benefits. 5. Concerns about medicalizing normal grief were noted. 6. The editorial urges discernment between distress and pathology. 7. Future studies should prioritize diverse populations and better quality trials.
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