Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology
Case Report

Pseudocyesis in a patient with anorexia nervosa: etiologic factors and treatment approach

1.

Department of Psychiatry, Necip Fazil City Hospital, Kahramanmaras-Turkey

2.

Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Necip Fazil State Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey

3.

Department of Psychiatry, Ufuk University, Ankara, Turkey

Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology 2017; 27: 322-324
DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2017.1342826
Read: 945 Downloads: 581 Published: 10 February 2021

Objective: 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.

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EISSN 2475-0581