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Factitious Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Series and Review
Michael Mullarkey1, C Mel Wilcox2, Adam L Edwards2
1Tinsley Harrison Internal Medicine Residency Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|September 23, 2021
Summary
Factitious gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is when patients fake GIB without external gain. Recognizing characteristic behaviors is key to diagnosing this challenging condition, avoiding unnecessary procedures and costs.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Factitious disorder (FD) involves intentionally feigning illness for internal psychological reasons.
- Factitious gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a specific manifestation of FD, presenting diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Patients with factitious GIB often exhibit subtle behaviors that may be overlooked.
- Unexplained overt GIB necessitates a thorough evaluation for factitious causes.
Findings:
- Factitious GIB diagnosis is complex, often leading to extensive testing and invasive procedures.
- Characteristic patient behaviors, if identified, can aid in diagnosis.
Implications:
- Early identification of factitious GIB can prevent iatrogenic complications and reduce healthcare costs.
- Understanding FD epidemiology and diagnostic approaches is crucial for effective patient management.
