American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is a common symptom that distinguishes depression from normal grief?

1. Planning for future emotions

2. Feelings of worthlessness

3. Optimistic outlook

4. Increased energy levels

The correct answer is: Feelings of worthlessness

Feelings of worthlessness are a distinguishing symptom of depression that can help differentiate it from normal grief. While grief can certainly include feelings of sadness and loss, it typically encompasses a range of emotions including eventual acceptance and the ability to think about future happiness. In contrast, depression is characterized by pervasive feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt that persist over time and can severely impact daily functioning. In a grieving individual, feelings of sorrow are often tied to the loss but are not usually accompanied by a fundamental belief in their worthlessness as a person. Additionally, grieving individuals frequently retain a degree of hope and outlook for the future, allowing them to plan for emotions beyond their current state of sadness. This contrasts with depressed individuals, who may experience a deep sense of despair and a lack of belief in their abilities or value, which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness. Understanding this distinction is crucial for diagnosis and treatment approaches.