Evaluating a Depressed Mood After a Traumatic Event

In Episode 20 of Med School Question of the Week for USMLE, Alisa Khomutova, MedSchoolCoach expert tutor, answers this medical school question: A previously healthy 65-year-old woman sees her physician for a 1-month history of sleep disturbance and sadness, which started after her husband died in a car accident. She stays awake for multiple hours and has crying spells throughout the day and night. Several times she has been woken up by the sound of her husband calling her name. She has lost 2 kg (4.4 lb) over the past month. She has 2 children who she has been spending time with and regularly attends church services with her friends. She expresses feeling a great feeling of loss over the death of her husband. She has no suicidal ideation. She is alert and oriented. Neurological exam in benign. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis for this patient’s symptoms?

• Major Depressive Episode
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Normal Bereavement
• Acute Stress Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood