Background: Pseudocyesis (or
pseudocyesis vera) also known as “phantom pregnancy” was previously described
according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
as a false belief of being pregnant that is associated with objective signs and
reported symptoms of pregnancy. Depression has also been strongly reported to
play a major role in the development of pseudocyesis. The exact etiology and
management of this rare disorder are not known but certain factors have been
associated with this including the presence of certain psychiatric conditions.
Objective: This study aims to provide a
better understanding of the factors associated with pseudocyesis including
psychiatric disorders and available treatment modalities.
Materials and Methods: This review
article was done on the available literature reporting any psychiatric
disorders and psychological factors in patients with pseudocyesis, the
epidemiology, etiology, and methods of treatment in humans only. Available
articles published from 1970 to January 2021 were included. Using the following
keywords- “pseudocyesis, false pregnancy, psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia,
phantom pregnancy”, relevant articles from Google Scholar, PubMed,
ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched and reviewed. Our initial
search yielded 871 articles, out of which 14 were deemed fully eligible.
Results: According to our review, it has
been found that various social and cultural factors such as strong cultural
views on the need for childbearing as a prerequisite for womanhood, and loss of
a child have led to the manifestation of this condition. The etiology of pseudocyesis
is associated with various psychological and endocrine disturbances sometimes
mediated by psychosomatic disorders. The treatment of pseudocyesis depends on
the underlying associated conditions. In most case reports examined in this
review, a multidimensional approach including psychotherapy; pharmacotherapy
like antidepressants and antipsychotics; hormonal therapy such as replacement
therapy, has been suggested as a promising therapeutic option.
Conclusion: Pseudocyesis could be
associated with psychiatric conditions such as major depression, schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, hypomania, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment
options may vary depending on the existence of co-morbidities in each patient.
Adopting a multidisciplinary strategy that includes gynecologists,
psychologists, and psychiatrists is critical in providing comprehensive care to
this group of patients.
Author (s) Details
Nkechinyere Mary Harry
Vinnytsia National Pirogov Medical
University, Vinnytsia Oblast, Ukraine.
Ibrahim Folorunsho
Badr Al Janoub Hospital, Najran, Saudi
Arabia.
Kenechukwu Anona
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Nnenna Okafor
College of Medicine, All Saints
University, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Gibson O. Anugwom
Menninger Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v4/1758
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