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Related Experiment Videos

Subjective pseudocyesis (false pregnancy) and elevated temporal lobe signs: an implication.

M A Persinger1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Perceptual and Motor Skills
|April 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Twenty-two percent of women experienced pseudocyesis symptoms. This condition was linked to temporal lobe signs and unique beliefs, with higher prevalence in Catholic women.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Pseudocyesis, or false pregnancy, is a rare condition.
  • Symptoms mimic pregnancy, including amenorrhea and abdominal distension.
  • Psychological factors are believed to play a significant role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of pseudocyesis symptoms in undergraduate women.
  • To explore potential neurological and psychological correlates of the condition.
  • To examine demographic factors associated with pseudocyesis.

Main Methods:

  • Survey administered to 106 undergraduate university women.
  • Assessment of pseudocyesis symptoms (amenorrhea, abdominal enlargement, nausea, breast changes).
  • Evaluation of temporal lobe signs, memory, and belief systems.

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Main Results:

  • 22% of participants reported pseudocyesis symptoms.
  • Women with symptoms showed elevated temporal lobe signs, particularly right-hemispheric.
  • Associated features included memory blanks, nocturnal akinesia, and unusual beliefs.
  • The phenomenon was 10 times more frequent in Roman Catholic than Protestant women.

Conclusions:

  • Pseudocyesis in young women is associated with specific neurological and psychological markers.
  • Right hemispheric involvement may be implicated.
  • Religious affiliation appears to be a significant demographic factor.