Intractable hiccups (Singultus) of psychogenic origin- a case report.

Abstract

Hiccups are repeated involuntary, intermittent spasmodic contractions of the diaphragm and inspiratory intercostal muscles that results in sudden inspiration followed by a sudden closure of the glottis. It is naturally benign, self-limited but may be most of the time organic in nature and in some cases chronic, debilitating and psychogenic. Here we report a case of a 16 year old female student who developed hiccups of a psychogenic origin started by stress, which lasted for more than weeks sometime for a month and is successfully treated by antipsychotics haloperidol and psychological interventions. Physicians always face a diagnostic challenge, especially when no identifiable organic cause is elicited. However, such cases are invariably referred for psychiatric evaluation and treatment.