Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Related

Review Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions related questions and content

When differentiating between bereavement symptoms and depression, the nurse will base the formulation on knowledge that in bereavement:

  • A. Symptoms remit and exacerbate.
  • B. Guilt feelings are overwhelming.
  • C. Suicide thoughts are common.
  • D. Psychomotor retardation is obvious.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in bereavement, symptoms of grief and sadness tend to come and go, known as remitting and exacerbating, as the individual processes the loss over time. This is a normal part of the grieving process. On the other hand, in depression, symptoms are persistent and may not improve without intervention. Guilt feelings being overwhelming (B) is common in both bereavement and depression. Suicide thoughts being common (C) can occur in severe depression but are not a distinguishing factor between bereavement and depression. Psychomotor retardation being obvious (D) is a symptom more commonly associated with severe depression rather than bereavement.