(#63) ìThe Pregnancy Test is Lying:" A Case Report on a Four-Year Battle of Undiagnosed Delusion of Pregnancy

Abstract: Both pseudocyesis and delusion of pregnancy are so rare that most information on them is found within case reports. Considering the similar presentation and risk factors of both conditions, careful analysis of a patientís medical history, social determinants of health and cultural factors, and early concern of an underlying psychiatric illness is crucial in accurate diagnosis and providing appropriate psychiatric treatment. This case study explores the characteristics of delusion of pregnancy and treatment response with Abilify. The patient of this study is a 41-year-old female with no diagnosed history of psychiatric illness who frequented the ED and her OBGYN with complaints of pregnancy symptoms. Each time, she was discharged after receiving a negative pregnancy test, only to come back within a few weeks with similar complaints. This cycle continued for 4 years until the patient was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient facility for evaluation. Without proper treatment during her repetitive ED visits, the patientís condition progressively worsened throughout the years, and she experienced increased financial strain, unnecessary suffering, and psychological distress. Considering the patientís significant history and frequency of medical visits for pregnancy-related concerns, involving psychiatry much sooner should have been a priority as it would have both benefited the patientís outcome and reduced hospital resource use.Short Description: This case study examines a 41-year-old patient who had delusion of pregnancy for four years without psychiatric involvement in her care team. Patient had numerous visits to the ED every few weeks but was misdiagnosed as pseudocyesis and no treatment was initiated. This study examines the key differences of pseudocyesis and delusion of pregnancy and examines how early detection of specific risk factors and characteristics could have involved psychiatry sooner in this patientís care.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): N/A