Grief and Dying

Question 1

5 stages of grief according to the Kubler-Ross model

Answer 1

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Question 2

Usual duration of uncomplicated grief?

Answer 2

6 months to 2 years

Question 3

Management of a terminally ill patient and their family

Answer 3

1. Medications. Benzos for distress, antidepressants for depression, atypical antipsychotics for delirium and rumination, methylphenidate to counteract opiate sedation so they can conclude affairs.
2. Referral to psychologist. Grief counselling. Logotherapy (meaning, purpose, legacy).
3. Addressing the needs of everyone in the family - all experiencing grief in their own way. Individual grief counselling for family members. Family meeting to facilitate expression of feelings.
4. Other supports i.e. faith based supports if religious.