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Psychiatric Munchausen's syndrome. Literature review with case reports

D Bhugra1

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenhem, Kent, England.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Munchausen's syndrome, a factitious disorder, was diagnosed in 0.5% of psychiatric admissions. This review discusses underlying pathology and suggests management strategies for this complex condition.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychological Medicine

Background:

  • Munchausen's syndrome is a factitious disorder characterized by the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms.
  • Literature review on Munchausen's syndrome to understand its prevalence and characteristics.

Observation:

  • A psychiatric hospital recorded 775 admissions under 65 years old in 1986.
  • Four patients (0.5%) were diagnosed with Munchausen's syndrome during this period.

Findings:

  • The study identified a 0.5% prevalence of Munchausen's syndrome among psychiatric admissions under 65.
  • Analysis of the underlying pathology in diagnosed cases.

Implications:

  • Discussion of management strategies for patients with Munchausen's syndrome.
  • Recommendations for future research directions in factitious disorders.

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