The dynamics of grief and melancholia

Abstract

In 1917, Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) published one of his most important clinical works. Mourning and Melancholia was written over several years and was based on discussions with colleagues at a time when Freud himself was burdened with grief and worries (1). Is there any reason for doctors and other health workers to read and immerse themselves in The dynamics of grief and melancholia something that was written so long ago? In my opinion, yes. Freud was the first to present a unified set of ideas about the dynamics of normal and pathological grief and depression, and his article is still highly relevant today.