Doc/pt - 45 - marie99

[ArchivalUser]

MEN!!!

[ArchivalUser]

U guys are all Gold medalists......................

Ans:C "You are experiencing grief, which is a completely normal and expected reaction to the loss of your wife"

This patient is most likely experiencing a normal and expected grief reaction to the loss of his wife. It is normal to have intense feelings of loss, a decreased enjoyment of activities, frequent crying spells, and a "sad", depressed mood. Minor dysfunction may occur, but it is not pronounced or persistent.

It often diminishes with time and is not associated with suicidal ideation or psychotic symptoms.

It is inappropriate to say, "It seems like you are experiencing a major depressive episode that we can treat with fluoxetine" because he is experiencing normal grief. A major depressive episode would be the diagnosis if he had marked functional impairment, psychomotor retardation, a preoccupation with worthlessness, suicidal ideation, or psychotic symptoms.

It is inappropriate to say, "Let's see how you feel in a few weeks and we will discuss the most appropriate treatment then" because he needs reassurance right now, not in few weeks.

"You have an adjustment disorder that should be treated with psychotherapy" is wrong because he is most likely having a normal grief reaction, not an adjustment disorder. An adjustment disorder is an abnormal, maladaptive response to a stressor that leads to significant functional impairment and extreme sadness and stress.

It is similar to depression, but it does not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. The patient in this case is "sad" and has normal feelings of loss. He is able to go to work and go out with friends and family and therefore, does not have an adjustment disorder.

U should not say to him, "You should have your friends set you up with a widowed woman who will understand you".

It is not the physician's place to give advice as to when he should start dating again. That should happen when he is ready. Support groups, family, and friends may be helpful during these difficult times.