Diagnosis and management of persistent psychogenic vomiting

Twenty-four patients who had been diagnosed by a gastroenterologist as psychogenic vomiters were evaluated. Eighteen underwent a comprehensive psychological evaluation consisting of an interview, administration of the MMPI and the Beck Depression Inventory, and follow-up contacts. The majority of the patients did not have serious psychiatric disturbances and were not incapacitated by their illness. The vomiting seemed to be chronic and nondebilitating, with exacerbations in times of stress. The authors conclude that most psychogenic vomiters can be treated effectively by an empathetic primary care physician.