Grief can be defined as an adaptation response to loss through the death of or separation from an object of love, be it a person, a body part of a body function. When a person experiences a loss he/she is likely to also experience an acute grief response to that loss. These responses are normal responses that occur after experiencing a loss. The diagnosis of Acute Grief Response is likely to be made by a person's Primary Care Provider, frequently after extensive medical evaluations are conducted to rule out major physiological medical problems. Many of the symptoms experienced in acute grief are presenting symptoms of major medical emergencies. If there is any doubt as to whether the symptoms you or a loved one might be feeling in the aftermath of the tragedy are physical or psychological seek professional treatment.

Acute grief is a definite syndrome characterized by psychological and somatic symptoms:

1. Sensations of somatic distress that occur in waves lasting for 20 minutes to an hour characterized by:

• Tightness in the throat
• Choking
• Shortness of breath
• Sighing
• An empty feeling in the stomach
• Lack of muscular strength
• Intense subjective distress described as tension or pain

 
2. Intense preoccupation with the image of the deceased, as in waking dreams, accompanied by feelings of vagueness and unreality.
3. Guilt feelings; the survivor reviews behavior before the death for evidence of negligence and failure.
4. Emotional distancing in relationships with others, accompanied by erratic responses of irritability, hostility and anger.
5. Disoriented behavior such as restlessness, insomnia, absentmindedness and an inability to concentrate or to initiate and maintain normal daily activities.

Resources
Bertmen SL, Sumpter HK, Greene HL. Bereavement and Grief. Chapter 219 in Greene HL (ed.) Clinical Medicine 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Year Book, Inc. 1996, pp. 856-8.
Casarett D, Kutner JS, Abrahm J. Life after Death: A Practical Approach to Grief and Bereavement. Ann Intern Med 2001;134:208-215. Available at: http://www.annals.org/issues/v134n3/full/200102060-00012.html 
Kutner JS. Grief and Bereavement: Physical, Psychological, and Behavioral Aspects. ACP Annual Meeting 2000. Available at: http://www.acponline.org/vas2000/sessions/grief.htm 
Hughes M. Bereavement and Support. Taylor & Francis, 1995.
Saindon C. Grief: A Normal and Natural Response to Loss. Self Help Magazine. April 15, 1998. Available at: http://www.shpm.com/articles/trauma/grief.html 
Fitzgerald H. The Mourning Handbook. New York, N. Y.: A Fireside Book, 1994, p. 37.