An imaginary pregnancy is also called a hysterical or sham pregnancy for a reason. It is a serious mental disorder that requires treatment. What are the causes and symptoms of an imaginary pregnancy? Why are some women prone to a phantom pregnancy?
An imaginary pregnancyis a pregnancy that is not really there, but the woman is convinced that it is. This belief is so deep that she begins to experience all the typical symptoms of pregnancy. Imaginary pregnancy is rare, but it is a very serious mental disorder, the treatment of which takes many months and requires the cooperation of a gynecologist, psychologist and psychiatrist.
Imaginary pregnancy: reasons
An imaginary pregnancy proves that the psyche often has a decisive influence on he alth. The appearance of an imaginary pregnancy is either a manifestation of an unsatisfied, overwhelming desire to have a baby, or a reflection of the overwhelming fear of pregnancy. It can also appear when the probability of getting pregnant is zero.
Imaginary pregnancy: symptoms
When a woman wants to be pregnant very much (or on the contrary - she is so afraid of her), her body reacts with symptoms that indicate pregnancy:
- amenorrhea
- morning sickness and vomiting
- enlargement of the abdomen and breasts
- breast pain
- whims
- mood swings
- fatigue
- lactation
It even happens that the pregnancy test is positive, because the power of suggestion is so great that the hCG level increases. As the phantom pregnancy develops, the patient begins to feel the baby's movements and contractions as well.
Of course, the gynecologist is usually able to assess during the first visit whether the pregnancy is real or imaginary, but most women with imaginary pregnancies try to avoid visiting the office for as long as possible. Some, even after the gynecologist ruled out pregnancy, still insist that they are different and refuse treatment.
Imaginary pregnancy: treatment
An imaginary pregnancy requires treatment as soon as possible, because it can lead to depression, neurosis, and serious personality disorders. During treatment, the cooperation of a gynecologist, psychiatrist and psychologist is necessary.
The gynecologist and psychiatrist most often use at least several months of pharmacological treatment, after which the symptoms of pregnancythe imaginary usually subside. A psychologist usually uses psychotherapy for many months. Specialists emphasize that the relatives and their support play an extremely important role in the treatment of patients with imaginary pregnancies.
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