Psychiatrymiddle twist
A 47-year-old woman, whose mother died six weeks ago, tells her general practitioner that she has three times seen and spoken with her mother in the family home, most recently while preparing the evening meal. She found each occasion comforting. Her sisters say this is expected in their family and community after a death, and the same has been described by other relatives. She sleeps and eats normally, has returned to work, cares for her children, and has no other unusual experiences. She knows her mother has died and does not believe anyone is interfering with her. Which one of the following best accounts for her experience?