Case Report: Somatoform Autonomic Dysfunction-Urogenital System

Abstract

Background: Somatoform autonomic dysfunction is characterized by symptoms that are autonomically perceived to appear from a particular organic disorders in which those symptoms can not be explained by any medical reasoning. In individuals with urogenital somatoform autonomic dysfunction, frequent urination accompanied with lower abdominal pain are common and treatment strategy is usually based on psychodynamic intervention. 

Case Report: Ms. A 28 year old woman visited Psychiatry outpatient clinic in Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital due to increased urination frequency, accompanied with lower abdominal pain. Interestingly, she also brought us her physical and laboratory (including urinary test) which all showed normal result. Ms. A is a cosmetologist, selling cosmetic products in department store and currently single. When we explored further about her childhood, she admitted that she has always been very neat and that her mother is very strict about tidiness and cleanliness. 

Conclusion: Ms. A was diagnosed with somatoform autonomic dysfunction. The fact that she is still single while her younger sister is already in a relationship could be a stressor for her. From psychodynamic point of view, Ms. A uses regression as a coping method. Pharmacotherapy as well as psychotherapy were used.