Delusions of Pregnancy with Post-Partum Onset: An Integrated, Individualized View

Background and Objectives: Bizarre hypochondriacal delusion is an important content of delusion of pregnancy during post-partum period. Methods: Here we report two cases with postpartum delusion of pregnancy; one with pre-existing schizophrenia and another one with family history of pseudocyesis and schizoaffective disorder but with no pre-existing psychiatric illness. Results: Nosological, phenomenological and aetiological issues are discussed. In the context of novel deficit-and motivational theories of delusion formation we provide an integrated view of the reported cases. Conclusions: The complexity of the delusion of pregnancy should be considered in the treatment planning-particularly in the post-partum period. Received: 18 December 2008 Revised: 4 August 2009 Accepted: 7 September 2009 DELUSIONS OF PREGNANCY WITH POST-PARTUM ONSET: AN INTEGRATED... 235