The case of the newborn kidnapped in Cosenza has been in the spotlight for days now. Fortunately, the story ended with a happy ending and on the defendant’s counter, Rosa Vespa, author of the kidnapping of little Sofia, finished. Psychologists and specialists have advanced the hypothesis of hysterical pregnancy, which led the woman to such a crazy and disturbing gesture.
What is hysterical pregnancy
Hysterical pregnancy, also known as pseudociesisis a rare psychological condition in which a woman believes she is pregnant, even manifesting some physical and hormonal symptoms typical of pregnancy, without there being an effective conception or the presence of a fetus. This phenomenon, known for centuries, remains a partial mystery for medicine, but is generally associated with psychological, emotional and hormonal factors that act in synergy.
The symptoms of hysterical pregnancy
One of the main characteristics of hysterical pregnancy is that the body “mimic” the typical changes of real pregnancy. Among the most common symptoms are found:
- Absence of the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea);
- Increase in the abdominal volumesimilar to an ongoing pregnancy;
- Feeling of fetal movementsdespite the fact that there is no fetus;
- Increase in breast and sometimes colostrum secretion;
- Nausea, vomiting and fatiguecharacteristic symptoms of the first trimester of pregnancy;
- Weight gain And changes in posture, as in a real gestation.
From a hormonal point of view, some women with pseudociesi can present altered levels of hormones related to pregnancy, such as prolactin, which contribute to physical symptoms.
Main causes of hysterical pregnancy
The causes of the pseudociesi are complex and multifactorial. This phenomenon is believed to be linked to:
- Psychological factors: The intense desire to have a child or the fear of unwanted pregnancy can influence the perception of one’s body. This often happens in contexts of infertility or in situations of strong emotional stress.
- Hormonal factors: The interaction between mind and body can cause alterations in the levels of reproductive hormones, which induce the physical symptoms of pregnancy.
- Traumatic experiences: mourning, spontaneous abortions or social pressures can be the basis of the phenomenon.
Diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of hysterical pregnancy is based on clinical tests, including:
- Pregnancy testwhich is negative since there is no production of HCG (the pregnancy hormone).
- Pelvic ultrasoundwhich confirms the absence of a fetus or a uterine gestation.
The treatment of pseudociesi requires a multidisciplinary approach:
- Psychological or psychiatric supportfundamental to face the desire for motherhood, trauma or underlying causes.
- Medical assistanceto rebalance any hormonal anomalies.
- Family supportwho plays a crucial role in promoting healing.
A rare but significant phenomenon
Hysterical pregnancy is a condition that reminds us how strong the link between mind and body is. Even if rare, it can have a significant impact on women’s life, requesting a targeted and respectful intervention. Understanding and facing this phenomenon means not only treating physical symptoms, but also welcoming and listening to the emotional needs of the person involved.