Pseudocyesis preceding psychosis.
Pseudocyesis is an uncommon condition in which the psychological and somatic phenomena are usually thought to arise with neurotic rather than psychotic illness. We report a patient whose pseudocyesis took a course not previously described, culminating in an acute schizophrenic episode. Despite this she demonstrated many similarities with neurotic patients previously described in the literature. A phenomenological explanation, the belief of pregnancy as an overvalued idea, is discussed.
Mortimer
A
A
St James's University Hospital, Leeds.
Banbery
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011555:Pseudopregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology