Depression: bereavement: 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 · Depression: bereavement

Sample item

Which finding in a bereaved person most strongly suggests a major depressive episode rather than uncomplicated grief?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pervasive worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death

Grief commonly comes in waves and preserves self-worth. Pervasive worthlessness, sustained anhedonia, psychomotor change, or suicidal ideation warrant assessment for major depression.

Option by option

  • A. Waves of sadness triggered by reminders

    Reminder-linked waves are common in uncomplicated grief.

  • B. Gradual adaptation over months

    Adaptation over time is expected in grief.

  • C. Pervasive worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death (correct)

    Correct. Global worthlessness and recurrent death thoughts are concerning depressive features.

  • D. Preserved self-esteem

    Preserved self-esteem favours normal bereavement.

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.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is C, Pervasive worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death. Grief commonly comes in waves and preserves self-worth.

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

Reminder-linked waves are common in uncomplicated grief.

Why is "Gradual adaptation over months" not the answer?

Adaptation over time is expected in grief.

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

Preserved self-esteem favours normal bereavement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Depression: bereavement in Psychiatry. Pervasive worthlessness, sustained anhedonia, psychomotor change, or suicidal ideation warrant assessment for major depression.

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 Depression: bereavement?

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.