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Pseudocyesis Preceding Psychosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ann Mortimer*
Affiliation:
St James's University Hospital, Leeds
Jo Banbery
Affiliation:
Meanwood Park Hospital, Leeds
*
St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, Yorkshire

Abstract

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.

Type
Brief Reports
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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