Synthesising existing research on complicated grief in intellectual disability: Findings from a systematic review Authors-.J. O. Riordan, S. Guerin and P. Dodd- St John of Gods, University College Dublin, St Michaels House.

Issued on October 4 2019

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Synthesising existing research on complicated grief in intellectual disability: Findings from a systematic review

J. O. Riordan¹, S. Guerin² and P. Dodd³

¹St John of Gods, Ireland; ²University College Dublin, Ireland; ³St Michaels House, Ireland

Introduction: Complicated or prolonged grief are recognised conditions in the general population. There is an increasing body of research investigating complicated grief in people with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of this study is to synthesise research on complicated grief in ID published between 1999 and 2015.

Methods: A structured systematic review was developed to examine research on bereavement (including complicated grief). Using Prisma guidelines, the authors searched articles in commonly used databases (Medline, PsychINFO, Cinahl) using key words reflecting Intellectual disability and bereavement/grief and all abstracts and fulltexts were reviewed by two researchers.

Results: 89 potential abstracts were initially identified as part of the larger review. Applying the inclusion criterion of complicated grief, 24 articles were eligible for full text screening. Of these, 50% reached threshold to be included in this review. Thematic analysis of the extracted data examined defining principles of complicated grief, signs, symptoms, outcomes and risk factors, and potential interventions for complicated grief in ID.

Implications: This review highlights the relatively small body of literature on complicated grief reactions in ID, but supports the view that complicated grief is underestimated and can significantly impact one's life. Areas for future research are highlighted that should help to clarify diagnostic criteria and identify appropriate interventions.

Keywords Intellectual disability, Bereavement, Grief, Complicated grief