Factitious Disorder:
Factitious Disorder is a mental health condition in which a person deliberately and consciously fakes, exaggerates, or induces physical or psychological symptoms. The motivation is not for material gain (like money or avoiding work), but rather to assume the “sick role” and receive attention, sympathy, or care from others.
Key Features:
- Intentional production or feigning of symptoms.
- Motivation is to be seen as ill, injured, or impaired.
- No obvious external incentives (like financial gain, legal issues, or avoiding duties).
Types:
Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self
- The person presents themselves as ill or impaired.
May go to great lengths: tampering with tests, self-harming, or even ingesting harmful substances.
Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (previously called Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy)
- The person produces or fabricates symptoms in another individual (often a child or dependent), seeking attention or praise as a devoted caregiver.
Common Signs:
- Vague or inconsistent symptoms.
- Frequent hospitalizations without clear diagnosis.
- Eagerness for medical tests or procedures.
- Extensive knowledge of medical terms and diseases.
- Symptoms that worsen when under observation but improve when not.
Causes:
- Often linked to trauma, abuse, neglect, or unmet emotional needs.
- May stem from a history of frequent hospitalizations during childhood.
- Desire for identity, care, or validation.
Treatment:
- Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is the main approach.
- Treatment is difficult because patients often deny the behavior and resist psychiatric help.
- A strong therapeutic alliance is essential.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 