They have psychological issues

The assessment of the mental health of the families of the missing:

In the 391 cases of disappearances studied, 49 of the interviewees had Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), 62 had Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and three had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A total of 114 had psychiatric morbidity (mental health issues).

Of the 391 cases of disappearances, 17.5% of those who did not receive the mortal remains had MDD, when compared to 6% of those who received the mortal remains.

Of the 391 cases of disappearances, 22% of those who did not receive the mortal remains had PGD as against 7% of those who received the mortal remains.

As such both MDD and PGD were significantly higher in those who did not eventually receive the mortal remains of the disappeared person. Therefore, family members of missing individuals unsure whether their loved one was alive or dead have higher psychological morbidity in the form of MDD and PGD.

Mothers and wives, older family members and those with a family history of mental illness were more vulnerable.