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Pseudolabor: A New Conversion Disorder Subtype? A Case Presentation and Literature Review
1Department of Family Medicine, The University of Tennessee, Memphis.
Summary
Pseudolabor, a condition mimicking preterm labor, is a potential subtype of conversion disorder. It involves abdominal contractions without true uterine activity, often missed until tocolysis fails.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Conversion disorder involves voluntary symptoms mimicking medical conditions.
- Pseudolabor, first described in 1994, presents as uterine contractions without palpable uterine activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a second case of pseudolabor.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and considerations for pseudolabor as a conversion disorder subtype.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient presenting with symptoms of preterm labor.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and response to treatment.
- Review of the initial case description of pseudolabor.
Main Results:
- Both patients presented with preterm labor symptoms but lacked palpable uterine contractions.
- Contractions showed atypical patterns on external tocodynamometry.
- Failure to respond to aggressive tocolysis prompted further investigation, leading to the correct diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Pseudolabor should be considered in patients with recurrent preterm contractions, minimal cervical change, and atypical patterns.
- The condition may be underdiagnosed due to reliance on electronic fetal monitoring.
- Pseudolabor's association with pseudoseizures suggests a link to conversion disorder.
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