Pseudocyesis as a healing mechanism for psychological trauma

Georgia Nektaria Porfyri,Ioannis Diakogiannis,Anthoula Tsolaki,Anastasia Konsta,Ioanna Ierodiakonou-Benou

doi:10.33533/jpm.v14i1.1686

Georgia Nektaria Porfyri, Ioannis Diakogiannis + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.33533/jpm.v14i1.1686

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Abstract

Pseudocyesis, a rare condition characterized by clinical signs and symptoms of pregnancy except for the actual existence of a fetus, is a somatic symptom disorder associated with a variety of biological, psychological and social factors. The present report aims to present the case of a 45-year old patient with pseudocyesis from a psychodynamic perspective. According to a psychodynamic perspective and based on patient’s history, pseudocyesis functioned as a mental healing mechanismfor the trauma of long-standing infertility, the trauma of eight unsuccessful and painful in vitro fertilization attempts and above all, the trauma of finally giving birth to a non-healthy child.

Highlights

Pseudocyesis (Ancient Greek pseudḗs, i.e. false, and kúēsis, i.e. pregnancy) or “false pregnancy” or “phantom-pregnancy”, is a condition characterized by all clinical signs and symptoms of pregnancy except for the actual existence of a fetus
According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), pseudocyesis is classified as an “Other Specified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorder”, defined as “a false belief of being pregnant that is associated with objective signs and reported symptoms of pregnancy”
Psychodynamic theories attribute the false pregnancy to emotional conflict

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Pseudocyesis (Ancient Greek pseudḗs, i.e. false, and kúēsis, i.e. pregnancy) or “false pregnancy” or “phantom-pregnancy”, is a condition characterized by all clinical signs and symptoms of pregnancy except for the actual existence of a fetus. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), pseudocyesis is classified as an “Other Specified Somatic Symptom and Related Disorder”, defined as “a false belief of being pregnant that is associated with objective signs and reported symptoms of pregnancy”.1. Women suffering from this condition may manifest, among others, morning sickness, abdominal expansion, breast enlargement, as well as cessation of menstruation. She is currently receiving olanzapine at only 2.5mg/day, while she continues attending regular psychodynamic therapy sessions

DISCUSSION

Findings

66 YEARS OLD WOMAN WITH A