Malingering vs. the factitious personality in chiropractic practice

This article details how to identify and treat the malingering patient, which we feel is seen more often than was originally thought in chiropractic practice. A historical perspective of a malingering vs. a factitious personality is examined. The factitious patient is reviewed in detail with special attention to the classic case of Munchausen syndrome. An extensive treatment plan is discussed, including short- and long-term care. The common characteristics, objective tests and studies are reviewed. We theorize that due to our increasing involvement in Workers' Compensation and personal injury cases our attention should be focused more closely on the possibility of these types of patients entering our office.