Psychiatry - Developmental Concept of Illness and Death

Death

The complete and irreversible cessation of vital functions.

Dying

The process of losing vital functions, marking the end of biological growth.

Awareness of Death

This aspect of human awareness drives people to live with meaning and urgency.

Birth-to-death continuum

The developmental continuum associated with life and death.

Inevitability of Death

The philosophical acceptance that life ends.

False

T/F: Dying is an instant event, not a process.

True

T/F: Death is considered a developmental event.

True

T/F: Being aware of mortality can instill values and purpose in life.

False

T/F: The definition of death varies significantly between individuals.

True

T/F: Dying represents the final stage of life’s growth.

Shock and Denial

The stage where the patient refuses to accept the diagnosis.

Anger

The stage marked by frustration and resentment directed toward others.

Bargaining

The stage where a patient makes deals or commitments to avoid death.

Depression

The stage where patients experience deep sadness and anticipate loss.

Acceptance

The final stage where death is accepted with neutrality or peace.

False

T/F: All patients pass through every stage in the exact order.

True

T/F: Anger in terminal illness is often a sign of a desire for control.

False

T/F: Bargaining involves denial and refusal to talk about death.

True

T/F: Depression in dying patients may require treatment if clinically significant.

False

T/F: Acceptance means the patient is happy to die.

Preschool Children

The age group that sees death as temporary and may feel guilt for dying.

School-age Children

The age group that understands death as final but not applicable to them.

Adolescents

The group that struggles with body image and losing independence.

Separation from loved ones

The adult fear ranked highest in hospice care.

Late-age Adults

The stage when death is often accepted, though fears like loss of dignity remain.

False

T/F: Preschoolers believe death is irreversible.

True

T/F: Adolescents often fear the loss of control more than death itself.

True

T/F: Elderly individuals may fear death most if they perceive life as unfulfilled.

False

T/F: Adults’ main fear of dying is pain and suffering.

True

T/F: Open and age-appropriate communication is essential across all age groups.

Grief

The emotional response to the loss of a loved one.

Mourning

The outward and cultural expression of grief.

Bereavement

The state of having lost someone to death.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

A mood disorder that causes functional impairment and often follows loss.

Anhedonia

The symptom of MDD characterized by loss of pleasure.

False

T/F: Mourning practices are the same across cultures.

True

T/F: In normal grief, positive memories can occur alongside sadness.

False

T/F: Bereavement always leads to Major Depressive Disorder.

True

T/F: In grief, self-esteem is usually preserved.

True

T/F: Functional disruption is a key factor in diagnosing MDD after loss.