Distinguishing Breavement from Depression in Stable Decline Paranoid Schizophrenia: a Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenic patients with a bereaved history of close family members can develop depressive affect which is often misinterpreted as depressive episodes or even schizoaffective.
Case: A 45-year-old woman was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic (F20.02). During the last month, the patient also often felt tired and unenthusiastic. He thought it was only a matter of time before he could catch up with his parents who had died. The patient had no suicidal intentions and had never attempted suicide. There were two differential diagnoses in this patient, such as schizoaffective depressive type (F25.1) and major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms (F32.3).
Discussion: The topic of conversation in this patient’s affective disorder was always related to the mood of mourning: the death of both parents. The response to a significant loss, such as bereavement, might very well resemble a depressive episode.
Conclusion: Bereavement can be distinguished from depressive episodes by looking at some of the characteristic symptoms. The correct diagnosis aims to provide appropriate management so that it can help patients reach their best state.