Which diagnosis is most suitable for a widow experiencing severe symptoms over a year after her husband's death?

The diagnosis of persistent complex bereavement disorder is most suitable for a widow experiencing severe symptoms over a year after her husband's death because this condition specifically addresses the prolonged and intense grief that is not resolving over time.

In persistent complex bereavement disorder, individuals experience persistent grief reactions that last longer than the culturally expected timeframe, typically exceeding six months, and can include debilitating sadness, longing for the deceased, and preoccupation with the loss. The emphasis on "severe symptoms" indicates that the individual is struggling significantly with their emotional well-being, suggesting that their bereavement has become complicated rather than a natural part of the grieving process.

The duration of symptoms also plays a critical role; normal grief would typically not be considered when symptoms persist for a year, and it is characterized by a more manageable emotional response. Acute stress disorder involves symptoms occurring within a month of a traumatic event, and major depressive disorder, while it can occur in the context of grief, would require a broader range of symptoms beyond just grief-related distress. Thus, persistent complex bereavement disorder specifically encapsulates her ongoing severe symptoms more accurately.