Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder where patients simulate physical illness to gain sympathy and attention. It is difficult to detect and often caused by histories of abuse and comorbid psychological disorders. Treatment is primarily psychiatric and recovery is a long process.
Munchausen syndrome is a form of factitious disorder, a psychological condition in which a patient simulates a physical illness by inducing or exaggerating symptoms. In many cases, a patient with factitious disorder may feign illness for some outside purpose, such as obtaining medication or disability payments. Unlike these cases, individuals with Munchausen syndrome desire to gain sympathy and attention through their illness.
Named after Baron von Munchausen, a German officer famous for telling outrageous stories, Munchausen syndrome is believed to be the most serious of the factitious disorders. To receive comfort and attention from medical personnel, sufferers induce physical symptoms, tamper with medical tests, or fake symptoms of an illness. In many cases, patients rack up exorbitant medical bills in the process.
Due to the deceptive nature of the disease, Munchausen syndrome is difficult to detect. However, there are several factors that may indicate that a patient is feigning his illness. For example, an inconsistent history or recurrent non-response to treatment are indicative of Munchausen syndrome. Patients may also frequently develop new and inconsistent symptoms or seem unusually eager to undergo medical tests.
The direct causes of Munchausen syndrome are unclear and vary from case to case. However, histories of physical and emotional abuse are not uncommon in sufferers. Additionally, there is a high rate of comorbidity with other psychological disorders, mainly depressive disorder and some personality disorders. Many people with Munchausen syndrome have identity issues, impulse control, and fear of abandonment.
Because of the dishonesty involved in Munchausen syndrome, diagnosis is often very difficult. Medical personnel can take years to realize that a patient is faking their illness. Patients may change hospitals frequently or seek care under assumed names to escape detection. Even after medical personnel have determined that a patient has Munchausen’s syndrome, attempts to confront the patient can be met with hostility.
Although patients seek care for their physical symptoms, treatment for Munchausen syndrome is primarily psychiatric. It is important for a psychiatrist to treat the problem as a disorder rather than deliberate deception to avoid placing the blame on the sufferer. Recovering from Munchausen syndrome is a long and difficult process. As with most psychological disorders, the prospects for recovery are best when the patient is able to admit the problem and seek treatment on their own.
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