Relationship Between Bereavement Reaction With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Organ Donor Families in Iran

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the relationship among bereavement, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in organ donor families in Iran. METHODS: This is a correlational study of 96 family members of brain-dead patients whose organs were donated. Using census sampling method, we approached the families through the Kerman University's Organ Donation Center. Data were collected using the Core Bereavement Items, Beck Depression Inventory, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised. RESULTS: The mean (SD) total score of bereavement, depression, and PTSD were 38.44 (9.25), 18.01 (12.92), and 41.90 (12.69), respectively. Among bereavement subscales, the highest mean (SD) score belonged to the "Images and Thoughts" (15.96 [4.16]) and the lowest belonged to "Grief" (10.57 [3.16]). Among different aspects of PTSD, the Intrusion subscale had the highest mean (SD) score (19.25 [6.22]), and the Hyperarousal subscale had the lowest (11.23 [5.34]). The Pearson correlation coefficient showed that bereavement was positively correlated with both depression (r = 0.72, P < .001) and PTSD (r = 0.59, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Donor families experienced bereavement, PTSD, and depression after organ donation. Healthcare professionals should approach and assess these families for potential emotional-psychological consequences, provide emotional and practical support to alleviate their depression and PTSD, and assist them through the bereavement process.