Pseudocyesis and depression. Etiological and treatment considerations.

Pseudocysesis, or false pregnancy, is generally classified as a conversion symptom and is usually treated as such with little success. Depression, however, is a commonly associated phenomenon and is typically neglected in the formulation and treatment of this disorder. This report presents a case study in which the patient was referred for evaluation of pseudocyetic symptoms, but depression was judged to be the underlying problem. Antidepressant therapy was instituted and found to be effective in ameliorating the pseudocyetic symptoms. Treatment implications of pseudocyesis as an artifact or concomitant of depression are discussed.