Factitious disorder

Factitious disorder is a mental disorder in which a person acts as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick. Factitious disorder by proxy is when a person acts as if a person in their care has an illness when they do not.

Definition

Factitious disorder is a type of mental disorder in which a person creates or exaggerates symptoms of illness in themselves or others. This is done for reasons other than financial gain, such as to receive attention or sympathy. The person may lie about or fake symptoms, hurt themselves to bring on symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests.

Types

There are two main types of factitious disorder: factitious disorder imposed on self, and factitious disorder imposed on another (also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy).

Factitious disorder imposed on self

In this type, the person presents themselves as ill, impaired, or injured. They may go to great lengths to create the appearance of illness, including lying about symptoms, faking medical records, or physically harming themselves to produce symptoms.

Factitious disorder imposed on another

In this type, also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the person induces symptoms in another person under their care, such as a child or elderly adult. This can involve lying about symptoms, altering diagnostic tests, or physically harming the person to produce symptoms.

Causes

The exact cause of factitious disorder is not known. It is thought to be related to a variety of factors, including childhood trauma, personality disorders, and a desire for attention or care.

Treatment

Treatment for factitious disorder can be challenging, as people with this disorder often deny they are faking symptoms. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, with the goal of helping the person understand why they are faking illness and teaching them healthier ways to cope with their feelings.

See also

• Mental disorder
• Personality disorder
• Psychotherapy

References

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