engleski

Pseudocyesis and Couvade syndrome

Pseudopregnacy is a condition in wich there is a firm belief of a non-pregnant woman in her pregnancy. The disorder also occurs in men. Patients manifest the symptoms and signs of pregnancy. According to DSM IV it is a conversion disorders, under the category of "Somatoform disorders". Pseudoprenancy occurs in patients with determined organic cerebral or endocrinologic pathology, in patients with chronic mental disorders, but also in those who were previously diagnosed with neither organic nor psychic disorders. There is always a wish for pregnacy an a fear from pregnancy at the same time. In any case, the psychological changes are caused by the imbalance of the pituitary -ovarian funcion of neuortranmitters in the pituitary -ovarian function of neurotransmitters in the pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus. A combination of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy with antidepressant ot antipsychotic, hormonal therapy and uterine curettage, is affective in almost every patient. Tratment should always be done within a team of other specialists (for instance, gynecologist).The authors emphasise the importance of systematic family psychotherapeutic approach in the treatmen of psychotic patients.

pseudocyesis; couvade syndrome

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