Psychogenic Vomiting

Psychogenic vomiting is recurrent vomiting that occurs without an identifiable organic cause and is associated with psychological stress, emotional conflict, or eating/psychiatric factors. It must be distinguished from anorexia/bulimia, GI obstruction, and metabolic disease. Treatment: psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, and nutritional support; screen for organic disease and eating disorder.

Common Symptoms

Recurrent vomiting without organic cause; associated stress/emotional conflict; no weight loss (or less than anorexia); normal GI work-up

Causes and Pathogenesis

Psychological stress/emotional conflict, often in a vulnerable person, produces recurrent vomiting without organic pathology.

Treatment

Psychotherapy/CBT; family therapy; nutritional support; screen for organic disease/eating disorder

Preventive Measures

Stress management; family support; treat emotional conflict early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Psychiatry department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.