Overview
- The review, published February 18 in Trends in Neurosciences, consolidates evidence from small fMRI grief‑provocation studies.
- Findings highlight continued activation of the nucleus accumbens and orbitofrontal cortex, alongside emotion regions such as the amygdala and insula.
- The pattern supports a craving-like response that may help explain persistent yearning beyond six months in roughly one in 20 bereaved individuals.
- Neural signatures overlap with depression and PTSD, leaving uncertainty about PGD-specific changes and whether they are causes or results of the disorder.
- The authors call for larger longitudinal cohorts and better identification of affected people so existing treatments can be delivered effectively.