Factitious diarrhea

Factitious Diarrhea

Factitious diarrhea (pronunciation: /fækˈtɪʃəs daɪəˈriːə/) is a medical condition where a person intentionally produces or exaggerates symptoms of diarrhea. This condition is often associated with Factitious disorder, a mental disorder where a person acts as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick.

Etymology

The term "factitious" is derived from the Latin word "facticius," which means "artificial" or "made by art." This term is used in medicine to describe symptoms or illnesses that are intentionally produced or feigned.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of factitious diarrhea is frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and a sense of urgency to have a bowel movement. These symptoms are often exaggerated or intentionally produced by the individual.

Causes

Factitious diarrhea is often caused by the intentional ingestion of laxatives or other substances that can induce diarrhea. This is often done in an attempt to gain attention or sympathy, or to avoid certain responsibilities or situations.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of factitious diarrhea can be challenging, as the individual often denies the intentional production of symptoms. However, a thorough medical history and physical examination, along with laboratory tests to detect the presence of laxatives or other substances in the body, can help in the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment of factitious diarrhea often involves addressing the underlying psychological issues that are causing the individual to intentionally produce symptoms. This may involve psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Related Terms

• Factitious disorder
• Munchausen syndrome
• Diarrhea
• Laxative abuse

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Factitious diarrhea
• Wikipedia's article - Factitious diarrhea

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