Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective: Pseudocyesis is a rare condition in which a non-pregnant woman has all signs and symptoms of pregnancy, such as abdominal and breast enlargement, cessation of menses and sensation of foetal movement. We hereby present a case of a young woman who presented with pseudocyesis while experiencing anorexia nervosa.Methods: After psychiatric examination, psychopharmacotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques and medication for ongoing depression and eating disorder was provided.Results: After six months of psychopharmacotherapy, depressive mood and belief of being pregnant were diminished; but after two years, she presented to psychiatry for depression and pseudocyesis symptoms again.Conclusions: Etiologic risk factors and treatment approaches including psychotherapy and psychopharmacology are addressed in this case report.
Highlights
The term of pseudocyesis, from the Greek words pseudes and kyesis, refers to an imaginary, false sensation of being pregnant in a woman who is not. It is associated with objective signs and reported symptoms of pregnancy, which may include abdominal enlargement, reduced menstrual flow, amenorrhoea, subjective sensation of foetal movement, nausea, breast engorgement and/or secretions and labour pains at the expected date of delivery [1]
We have to emphasize that the definition of pseudocyesis is quite different from the delusion of pregnancy found in psychotic disorders [2,3]
After two months of pscychopharmacotherapy, serum prolactin levels decreased, pseudocyesis symptoms disappeared and she resumed menses again. To our knowledge this is the first report of pseudocyesis in a case with anorexia nervosa
Summary
The term of pseudocyesis, from the Greek words pseudes (false) and kyesis (pregnancy), refers to an imaginary, false sensation of being pregnant in a woman who is not It is associated with objective signs and reported symptoms of pregnancy, which may include abdominal enlargement, reduced menstrual flow, amenorrhoea, subjective sensation of foetal movement, nausea, breast engorgement and/or secretions and labour pains at the expected date of delivery [1]. After six months of pscychopharmacotherapy, depressive mood and belief of being pregnant were diminished, she returned to her normal weight and a significant increase in her level of functioning was observed After two years, she presented to psychiatry for depression and pseudocyesis symptoms again. After two months of pscychopharmacotherapy, serum prolactin levels decreased, pseudocyesis symptoms disappeared and she resumed menses again
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