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Chronic Unexplained Vomiting: A Case Report on Psychogenic Vomiting
Gokul Paidi1, Marie Jean2, Ayobami Oduwole3
1Family Medicine, The Medina Clinic, Grandview, USA.
Cureus
|July 20, 2022
Summary
Psychogenic vomiting, often triggered by psychological stress, presents without organic causes. This case report details a schizophrenia patient diagnosed with psychogenic vomiting after other causes were excluded.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Psychogenic vomiting is recurrent vomiting without identifiable organic causes, often linked to psychological stress.
- It can manifest with various psychological and behavioral issues, including mood disorders and conversion disorders.
- Non-pharmacological treatments like psychotherapy and behavioral therapy are crucial.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male patient with schizophrenia presented with recurrent vomiting.
- Pathological and physiological causes for the vomiting were systematically ruled out.
- The patient was undergoing medication for schizophrenia.
Findings:
- The patient's recurrent vomiting was ultimately classified as psychogenic vomiting.
- This diagnosis was made after excluding all other potential organic etiologies.
- The case highlights the complexity of diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with psychiatric conditions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering psychogenic vomiting in patients with underlying psychiatric conditions.
- It emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.
- Accurate diagnosis can lead to more effective, targeted therapeutic interventions, improving patient outcomes.
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