A 31-year-old man presents to the office with concerns about his heart.

This patient presents with panic-like somatic symptoms triggered by bereavement. Normal investigations rule out cardiac pathology. Grief therapy is appropriate as the underlying stressor is unresolved grief and anxiety.

Toronto Notes 2023 – Psychiatry, Grief and Anxiety Disorders:

“Bereavement-related anxiety and somatization are common. Grief counseling can help reduce somatic and psychological symptoms when medical causes are ruled out.”

MCCQE1 Objectives – Psychiatry > Anxiety and Bereavement:

“Candidates should recognize psychological sequelae of grief, including panic and health anxiety, and provide appropriate psychological support.”

Metoprolol (C) is not indicated without confirmed cardiac cause. Lorazepam (B) may offer short-term relief but does not address the underlying grief. Stress testing (A) is unnecessary with repeated normal investigations.

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