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Factitious Disorder

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Factitious Disorder

(Munchausen Syndrome)

Definition

Factitious disorder is a mental illness. A person who has it makes up an illness or injury. This is done for emotional reasons. The person may want attention and care. It is not done for money, food, or housing.

There are two types:

  • The person claims to be sick or injured
  • A parent claims their child is sick or injured —factitious disorder by proxy (Munchausen syndrome by proxy)
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People with factitious disorder seek unnecessary medical treatment.

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Causes

The cause of factitious disorder not known. It may be due to brain chemistry and emotional needs.

Risk Factors

Factitious disorder is more common in people who are young or middle aged.

Things that may raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Symptoms of factitious disorder may be:

  • Going to many hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices
  • A long medical history
  • Strange symptoms that change often
  • An illness that returns after it is controlled
  • Strong knowledge of hospitals and medical terms
  • New symptoms appear after negative tests
  • Blocking contact between:
    • Previous and current doctors
    • Doctors and family members
  • Demanding health tests or procedures
  • Causing injury or illness to get attention

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam may be done.

It is difficult to diagnose factitious disorder. The doctor has to rule out any real illness. A number of tests may be done. If no illness is found, the doctor may refer the person to counseling.

Treatment

Factitious disorder is difficult to treat. Some people refuse help. Others may agree to work with a mental health expert.

The goal is to treat the disorder and any other mental health problems. Options may be:

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent factitious disorder.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • An overview of factitious disorders. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9832-an-overview-of-factitious-disorders.
  • Bass C, Wade DT. Malingering and factitious disorder. Pract Neurol. 2019;19(2):96-105.
  • Factitious disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/factitious-disorder.
  • Somatic symptom and related disorders. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/somatic-symptom-and-related-disorders/.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.