Medical abnormalities can be reproduced by survivors. In most cases, they are brief and nonrecurring. If symptoms continue, however, they can cause problems.
Tom suffered severe chest pains and shortness of breath after his brother died of a heart attack. Repeated medical tests uncovered no reason for his discomfort, but the pain persisted and grew more intense. As a last resort, Tom turned to psychotherapy, which revealed that he had never mourned for his brother. His physical symptoms disappeared completely as he learned to express his deep sorrow.