**Question:** An elderly house wife lost her husband who died suddenly of Myocardial infarction couple of years ago. They had been staying alone for almost a decade with infrequent visits from her son and grandchildren. About a week after the death she heard his voice clearly talking to her as he would in a routine manner from the next room. She went to check but saw nothing. Subsequently she often heard his voice conversing with her and she would also discuss her daily matters with him. This however, provoked anxiety and sadness of mood when she was preoccupied with his thought. She should be treated with -

A. Antidepressants
B. Anxiolytics
C. Hypnosis
D. Psychotherapy

**Correct Answer:** **B. Anxiolytics**

**Core Concept:** Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a death of a loved one. In this case, the widow experiences vivid flashbacks of her late husband's voice, leading to anxiety and mood disturbances.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is anxiolytics (B) as they are a class of medications primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, including PTSD symptoms. Anxiolytics alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, fear, and panic attacks, which are experienced by the widow due to her vivid flashbacks of her late husband's voice.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. Antidepressants (A) are primarily used to treat depression, not anxiety. In this scenario, she experiences anxiety, not depression, so antidepressants would not be an appropriate treatment.

C. Hypnosis (C) is a form of therapy that involves entering a trance-like state to access the subconscious mind, with limited medical application. While hypnosis could potentially help with her psychological distress, the question indicates she should be treated with medication, not therapy.

D. Psychotherapy (D) is a type of treatment involving communication with a mental health professional to discuss and work through issues. In this case, medication is indicated to alleviate her anxiety and mood disturbances, not psychotherapy.

**Clinical Pearl:** Anxiolytics, specifically benzodiazepines, are often prescribed for individuals experiencing anxiety due to PTSD or other anxiety disorders. In this scenario, the widow's vivid flashbacks and anxiety are the primary concerns, making anxiolytics the appropriate treatment option.