A 67-year-old-woman, whose husband died 18 months ago, is admitted to the hospital because of severe headaches for 4 weeks. She is quiet and seems sad. She believes that she has brain cancer, deserves to be punished for her sins, and is being punished by God for past mis-deeds. She has had fatigue and a 6.8-kg (154 lb) weight loss over the past 4 months. Physical and neurologic examinations show no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A) Bipolar disorder.

B) Cyclothymic disorder.

C) Major depressive disorder with psychotic features.

D) Schizo affective disorder.

E) Schizophrenia.

Question

Gavyn

Social Studies

5 June, 15:09

A 67-year-old-woman, whose husband died 18 months ago, is admitted to the hospital because of severe headaches for 4 weeks. She is quiet and seems sad. She believes that she has brain cancer, deserves to be punished for her sins, and is being punished by God for past mis-deeds. She has had fatigue and a 6.8-kg (154 lb) weight loss over the past 4 months. Physical and neurologic examinations show no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A) Bipolar disorder.

B) Cyclothymic disorder.

C) Major depressive disorder with psychotic features.

D) Schizo affective disorder.

E) Schizophrenia.

+4

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Hope Levy · Answer 1

Answer: Major depressive disorder with psychotic features

Explanation: From the symptoms highlighted in the question, the patient is most likely suffering from major depressive disorder also called clinical depression. It's symptoms could range behavioral changes such as sadness, guilt, social isolation, loss of interest and even suicidal thought.

Other physical symptoms could be weight loss resulting from excessive brooding and lack of appetite and fatigue. Psychotic features are evident in her thought of guilt and belief.

Ruth · Answer 2

Answer:C) Major depressive disorder with psychotic features.

Explanation:Major Depressive Disorder because she is sad and has lost weight which is what depressed people experience. She is also suffering from headaches which may be due to being overstressed as a depressed person but she is also psychotic, which are severe mental illness because she now believes she has brain cancer and that she is being punished.