Mood disorders: bereavement versus depression: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Mood disorders: bereavement versus depression

Sample item

Which feature points to major depression rather than normal grief in a recently bereaved person?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Pervasive worthlessness and persistent suicidal ideation

In normal grief the dysphoria comes in waves linked to the loss, self-esteem is preserved and humour or positive emotion can occur. Pervasive worthlessness, guilt beyond the loss, marked psychomotor retardation, psychosis and suicidal ideation suggest major depression. Both can coexist.

Option by option

  • A. Waves of sadness triggered by reminders of the deceased

    Grief typically comes in waves tied to reminders.

  • B. Preserved self-esteem

    Preserved self-esteem is a feature of normal grief.

  • C. Positive emotions mixed with the sadness

    Mixed positive emotion is typical of normal grief.

  • D. Pervasive worthlessness and persistent suicidal ideation (correct)

    Correct. Pervasive worthlessness and suicidality suggest depression.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Pervasive worthlessness and persistent suicidal ideation. In normal grief the dysphoria comes in waves linked to the loss, self-esteem is preserved and humour or positive emotion can occur.

Why is "Waves of sadness triggered by reminders of the deceased" not the answer?

Grief typically comes in waves tied to reminders.

Why is "Preserved self-esteem" not the answer?

Preserved self-esteem is a feature of normal grief.

Why is "Positive emotions mixed with the sadness" not the answer?

Mixed positive emotion is typical of normal grief.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mood disorders: bereavement versus depression in Psychiatry. Pervasive worthlessness, guilt beyond the loss, marked psychomotor retardation, psychosis and suicidal ideation suggest major depression. Both can coexist.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Mood disorders: bereavement versus depression?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.