Citation

Wright MT. Psychosomatics 2007; 48(6): 461-466.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1176/appi.psy.48.6.461

PMID

18071091

Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders are common in pregnant women. These disorders are often treated with antiemetic medications that block central dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dopamine antagonists can cause akathisia. Hormonal changes and other factors may place pregnant women at increased risk for the development of severe antiemetic-induced akathisia. The mental symptoms that can accompany akathisia can be misinterpreted as primary mental illness. The author reports on the case of a pregnant woman who attempted to injure herself after developing severe antiemetic-induced akathisia.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Akathisia, Drug-Induced; Antiemetics; Borderline Personality Disorder; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Risk Factors; Suicide, Attempted