somatic responses
Last reviewed 01/2018
Somatic responses are prominent, due to the overactivity of the autonomic nervous system.
Respiration comes in deep sighs. Appetite is lost and diarrhoea may occur while anxiety is the most prominent, and constipation later (with depression) supervenes. Transient hypochondriasis may be part of the normal response to bereavement. Insomnia is usual, with restlessness both night and day, followed by feelings of overwhelming fatigue in the more depressive phase.