Factitious disorders in Germany-a detailed insight

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Healthcare Management
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Factitious disorders (FDs) are frequently misdiagnosed, with the ICD-10 code F68.1 underutilized.
• Understanding FD patient characteristics is crucial for improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze characteristics of patients diagnosed with Factitious Disorders in Germany.
• To identify factors influencing the assignment of the F68.1 diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of German diagnosis-related group (DRG) statistics.
• Examination of variables including patient demographics, referral patterns, hospital stay details, department, surgical procedures, and costs.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in FD assignment rates were observed based on patient and institution origin.
• Typical FD patients are often women in their late thirties from rural areas, referred by other healthcare providers.
• Dermatology, neurology, emergency, and internal medicine departments most frequently encounter FD patients; surgery occurs in approximately 20% of cases.
• Average inpatient stay is around 25 days in a single department, with case mix revenue typically under €5000.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a detailed profile of patients with Factitious Disorders in Germany.
• Findings can inform clinical practice, leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of FDs.
• Improved recognition of FD characteristics can optimize healthcare resource allocation and patient management.