Which of the following is true about factitious disorders?
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Last reviewed: 29 Oct 2022 Show
Last updated: 11 Aug 2022 SummaryFactitious disorders are uncommon disorders in which the patient intentionally fabricates physical or psychological symptoms primarily for the purpose of deceiving healthcare providers and/or others. Patients are motivated primarily by a desire to assume the sick role rather than by the hope to achieve external rewards. Munchausen syndrome is an extreme form. Factitious disorder imposed on another (previously factitious disorder by proxy) describes the clinical scenario wherein the patient feigns or induces signs or symptoms of illness in another person who is under the patient's care, when there are no clear external incentives. It is a potentially lethal form of abuse, as patients may inadvertently induce coma or death by giving medications to simulate disease. Systematic evidence for directing treatment is lacking. DefinitionFactitious disorder is a syndrome in which signs and/or symptoms of disease are intentionally feigned, exaggerated, or self-induced by a patient when there is no clear principal external incentive for the behavior.[1] The psychiatric nomenclature distinguishes factitious disorder from several related disorders by both the intentionality of the behavior and its motivation. Symptoms produced without conscious intent are considered a somatic symptom disorder. Symptoms intentionally feigned or created for some external reward, such as getting out of jail or obtaining unneeded pain medication, are considered malingering. Distinguishing factitious disorder from related conditions can be a difficult task, particularly because they can sometimes co-exist in the same patient.[Figure caption and citation for the
preceding image starts]: Distinguishing factitious disorder from related conditionsFrom the personal collection of Christopher P. Kogut, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA [Citation ends]. History and examKey diagnostic factors
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More investigations to consider Treatment algorithmsuspected factitious disorderContributorsAuthorsJames L. Levenson, MDProfessor of Psychiatry Internal Medicine and Surgery Vice-Chair Department of Psychiatry Chair Division of Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA DisclosuresJLL is the author of a reference cited in this topic. AcknowledgementsProf Levenson would like to gratefully acknowledge Prof Christopher P. Kogut, a previous contributor to this topic. DisclosuresCPK declares that he has no competing interests. Peer reviewersTanveer Padder,Consulting Psychiatrist Padder Health Services Laurel MD DisclosuresTP declares that he has no competing interests. Marc Feldman,Clinical Professor of Psychiatry University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL DisclosuresMF receives royalties for two books on the subjects covered in this topic (Routledge publishing and American Psychiatric Publishing). He is also an author of references cited in this topic.
Which of the following defines factitious disorder?Factitious disorder is a serious mental disorder in which someone deceives others by appearing sick, by purposely getting sick or by self-injury.
What are the characteristics of factitious disorder?Factitious disorder is a mental disorder in which a person acts as if they have a physical or psychological illness when they themselves have created the symptoms. People with this disorder are willing to undergo painful or risky tests to get sympathy and special attention.
What is the diagnosis of factitious disorder?Diagnosis is based on objectively identifying symptoms that are made up, rather than the person's intent or motivation for doing so. A doctor may suspect factitious disorder when: The person's medical history doesn't make sense. No believable reason exists for an illness or injury.
What happens to a person diagnosed with factitious disorder imposed on another?Factitious disorder imposed on another can lead to serious short- and long-term complications, including: Continued abuse. Multiple hospitalizations. Death of the victim.
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