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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

A Simple Non-invasive Method for Temporary Knockdown of Upper Limb Proprioception
07:42

A Simple Non-invasive Method for Temporary Knockdown of Upper Limb Proprioception

Published on: March 3, 2018

[Pathomimia in upper limb]

Riadh Maalla1, Hichem Bensalma, Lamia Hamdi

  • 1Service de chirurgie de Monastir, SOS Main Hopital Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir.

La Tunisie Medicale
|June 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Pathomimia, or factitious disorders, involves intentionally producing symptoms to assume the patient role. This psychiatric disorder is often overlooked in daily medical practice, despite its distinct diagnostic indicators.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Background:

  • Factitious disorders, known as pathomimia, involve the voluntary production of physical or psychological symptoms.
  • Despite being a recognized psychiatric condition, pathomimia is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked in clinical settings.

Observation:

  • The study observed five patients (3 males, 2 females, average age 30) between 2000-2003.
  • Key diagnostic indicators included unusual symptom presentation, fluctuating disease course, and a history of multiple medical issues.
  • Three cases involved self-inflicted skin injuries, and two presented with median nerve lesions.

Findings:

  • Patients with pathomimia often exhibit complex and atypical symptoms.
  • The condition is characterized by recurrent episodes, with periods of remission and relapse.
  • Diagnostic challenges arise from the intentional simulation of illness and varied clinical manifestations.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness and recognition of pathomimia are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Understanding the unique clinical features can improve patient management and reduce unnecessary medical interventions.
  • Further research is needed to develop effective therapeutic strategies for factitious disorders.

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