A Comprehensive Review of Pseudocyesis and its Associated Psychiatric Disorders

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. 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: A comprehensive review of literature on pseudocyesis in humans and its association with various psychiatric conditions. 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 prerequisite for womanhood 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.

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 according to the presence of co-morbidities in different patients. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach encompassing gynecologists, psychologists and psychiatrists, is important in providing holistic care for this group of patients.