Factitious disorder, formerly called Munchausen syndrome, is the intentional falsification of symptoms in order to assume the role of a sick person. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship may intentionally produce symptoms in someone else (usually a child or elderly patient), which is known as factitious disorder imposed on another (formerly, Munchausen by proxy). Unlike malingering Malingering Malingering is not a medical disorder, but a behavior of an individual. Malingering is characterized by the intentional falsification of symptoms for an external benefit. Patients may either invent new ailments or exaggerate current symptoms. Malingering, the falsification of symptoms is not associated with an external reward. Diagnosis is clinical, and treatment centers around nonjudgmental confrontation.
Last updated: Nov 10, 2022
The psychiatric interview must include collateral or external sources of information whenever possible.
Willingness to undergo evaluation | Intentional deceptive behavior Intentional deceptive behavior Malingering | Evidence of external reward Evidence of external reward Malingering | |
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Illness anxiety disorder Illness Anxiety Disorder Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is a chronic condition characterized by a prolonged and exaggerated concern about one’s health and possible illness. Patients fear or are convinced that they have a disease and interpret minor or normal bodily symptoms as signs of a serious medical condition. Illness Anxiety Disorder | + | – | – |
Somatic symptom disorder Somatic symptom disorder Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a condition characterized by the presence of 1 or more physical symptoms associated with excessive thoughts and feelings about symptom severity. Symptoms are usually not dangerous, but the patient devotes excessive time and energy to figuring out their underlying cause and how to treat them. Somatic Symptom Disorder | + | – | – |
Factitious disorder | + | + | – |
Malingering Malingering Malingering is not a medical disorder, but a behavior of an individual. Malingering is characterized by the intentional falsification of symptoms for an external benefit. Patients may either invent new ailments or exaggerate current symptoms. Malingering | – | + | + |