Münchausen syndrome: a review and two case reports

In the light of the pertinent literature, 2 illustrative cases of the Münchausen syndrome are presented. In both patients there had been dynamically significant losses in the oedipal age leading to an intense feeling of being rejected. Both patients also exhibited problems of dependence, perfectionistic attitudes toward the self, and fear of social failure. In addition, characteristics typical of alexithymia could be noted. As a dynamical interpretation it is proposed that in these patients basic helplessness and inadequacy of expressing feelings have been channelled into multiform psychosomatic symptoms. The latter in turn have caused continuous seeking for acceptable somatic etiology and treatment of the symptoms. Thus, gradually, the clinical picture of the Münchausen syndrome has developed.