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[Munchausen syndrome. A rare condition requiring many resources]
1Klinikk for psykiatri, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
Abstract:
This syndrome is an infrequent, but dramatic disorder. The patients do intentionally produce or feign physical symptoms in order to assume a patient role without any other obvious gain. It also characterized by multiple admissions to different wards and hospitals over years. The disorder differs from the somatoform disorders by the voluntary produced symptomatology. From a psychiatric angle of view the possible comorbidity with personality disorders is highlighted. Medicolegal aspects of the disorder is also discussed, particularly the legitimacy of accepting these persons' status as patients. References are made to the man who has given the name to the syndrome; an eighteen century German baron whose tall tales from his military service were used as illustrations to the syndrome nearly one and a half century later.
Insights
This syndrome involves patients intentionally feigning illness for a patient role, differing from somatoform disorders due to voluntary symptoms. It highlights psychiatric comorbidities and medicolegal considerations regarding patient status.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Context:
- Factitious disorder, a rare but dramatic condition, involves intentional production or feigning of physical symptoms.
- Patients assume a 'patient role' without apparent external gain, often presenting with a history of multiple hospital admissions.
Purpose:
- To differentiate factitious disorder from somatoform disorders based on voluntary symptomatology.
- To explore potential psychiatric comorbidities, particularly personality disorders.
- To discuss medicolegal implications concerning the patient status of individuals with this disorder.
Summary:
- Factitious disorder is characterized by the intentional fabrication or induction of symptoms to assume a sick role.
- Unlike somatoform disorders, the symptoms in factitious disorder are voluntarily produced.
- The abstract also touches upon associated personality disorders and legal considerations.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of factitious disorder, distinguishing it from similar conditions.
- Informs psychiatric and legal professionals on diagnosis and management.
- Contributes to the literature on complex behavioral and psychiatric presentations.