What is a likely differential diagnosis for a 72-year-old female presenting with persistent emotional distress after her husband's death?

The selection of depression, unresolved grief, and hypothyroidism as the likely differential diagnosis for a 72-year-old female experiencing persistent emotional distress after her husband's death is well-founded.

Firstly, depression is a common response to significant loss, particularly in older adults. The emotional distress observed is often linked to complicated grief or major depressive disorder, which can manifest as prolonged sadness, hopelessness, or withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

Unresolved grief is particularly relevant, as it can occur when an individual struggles to process or adapt to the loss of a loved one. This state of grief can be exacerbated among older adults who may already be facing other life stressors, leading to emotional distress that requires assessment and potential intervention.

Hypothyroidism, while not directly tied to grief, can present with symptoms that may mimic depression, such as fatigue, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. Considering an underlying medical condition like hypothyroidism is essential, especially in the context of an elderly patient presenting with new or worsening emotional symptoms. Thyroid hormone levels should be evaluated to rule out this treatable cause of mood disturbances.

This combination of factors highlights the importance of considering both psychological and physiological aspects when addressing emotional distress in an older adult losing a partner. Thus, the