Psychiatry - Mood Life and Death
Psychiatry - Mood Life and Death
Psychiatry - Mood Life and Death
Introduction
DSM-IV had Grief / Bereavement and Depression. DSM-V has Grief Depression
added persistent complicated bereavement disorder. This makes
things harder. See these as two concretely different diseases -
grief and depression - and PCBD being “in between.” Grief has
a shorter duration, with a mild depressed mood, but all the
attention and sadness is focused on the dead. Depression is Normal Abnormal
hopelessness, the loss of happiness, and sadness that’s pervasive Focus on deceased Focus on self
in all life. It’s actually easier than you think. Future is possible, No future is possible,
full of hope hopeless
Grief
After the loss of a loved one (a major stressor) there are two
reactions. Grief is a normal reaction that doesn’t impair normal Things that say “grief only”
functioning and will improve spontaneously - though it may
progress to depression. Onset can be anything, and, especially on - Ability to have fun / be happy with family
the test, duration must be < 12 months. It is important to let the - NO psychotic features, or if they sound psychotic, then
griever grieve, but also always be cognizant of the potential for there IS insight
suicide. Grief is hopeful and usually waxes and wanes. The - Any depressed mood revolves around the deceased or
patient CAN be happy with family and friends and CAN see the things that involved the deceased
future. Any depressive symptoms are focused at the deceased – - Happiness is possible
anhedonia, depressed mood, spontaneous crying. Even psychotic-
like features – talking TO the deceased, maintaining rituals as if
the deceased is present – if there IS INSIGHT (there isn’t
psychosis), even that is normal. Do not TREAT guilt – but you
can offer therapy sessions to get them through it.
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Psychiatry [MOOD– LIFE AND DEATH]
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