In dsm-iv-tr, a chronic form of factitious disorder with physical symptoms that may be totally fabricated, self-inflicted, or intentional exaggerations of preexisting physical conditions. Much of the person’s life may consist of seeking admission to or staying in hospitals (often under different names). Multiple invasive procedures and operations are eagerly solicited. The need is to assume the sick role rather than to reap any economic benefit or ensure better care or physical well-being.
A mental disorder in which someone tries to get hospital treatment by claiming symptoms of an illness which he or she does not have. Many people will undergo very painful procedures which they do not need. [Described by Richard Asher in 1951, and named after Baron von Munchhausen, a 16th century traveller and inveterate liar]
The intentional feigning or production of physical or psychological symptoms out of a deep-seated need to assume the sick role; a mental disorder also known as factitious disorder and pathomimicry. A person with Munchausen syndrome may make up the complaint and support it with lies or inflict injuries on his or her own body, such as injecting material under the skin to produce abscesses. The motivation behind Munchausen syndrome is an unconscious need to be cared for as a sick person. The disorder may result in unneeded medical tests and exploratory surgeries.
A disorder in which a person presents repeatedly to hospitals with symptoms and signs (often simulated) suggestive of serious physical illness. More common among men than women, it differs from malingering in that no obvious reward results from the imagined or simulated symptoms. Patients may simulate signs and symptoms in a bizarre way for instance, by swallowing blood or inserting needles into the chest. Abdominal symptoms are particularly common. They often have a history of multiple hospital admissions and operations, and show extensive pathological lying and lack of personal rapport. Although the cause is unclear, it is thought to be a form of hysterical behaviour in a severely disordered personality. Patients are often masochistic, attention-seeking, and constantly trying to obtain analgesics. Occasionally there may be a degree of treatable depression, but on the whole management is very difficult as patients often abscond from psychiatric treatment.
A type of malingering or factitious disorder in which the patient may practice self-multilation or deception to feign illness. When detected, patients with Munchausen syndrome may leave one hospital and appear in the emergency room of another. They are often misdiagnosed, frequently operated upon, and seldom receive timely psychiatric diagnoses and therapy, which might be beneficial.
Factitious disorder imposed on self is a condition wherein the individual intentionally amplifies and embellishes their symptoms. This disorder involves the dramatic exaggeration and portrayal of physical or psychological distress by the patient, often seeking attention, sympathy, or a sense of validation through their fabricated illness.
A chronic condition where an individual feigns or self-inflicts physical symptoms to assume the role of a patient.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bleeding, neurological signs, rashes, and fever. Individuals often fabricate elaborate medical histories. Many of these individuals are frequently hospitalized and may possess in-depth medical knowledge, along with scars from self-harm or prior treatments. In Munchausen’s syndrome by proxy, caregivers, often parents, feign illnesses in children.
The treatment focuses on safeguarding the individuals from unnecessary surgeries and medications.