[Refining the definition of dissimulation]

Different approaches to the understanding of the term dissimulation are discussed. It is marked, that dissimulation may be encountered in all forms of pathology beyond the nosological boundaries, but depending upon the socio-personality significance of the disease. The authors propose to consider dissimulation from the clinico-social standpoint and understand it as a limited and changed by pathology personality-modulated behaviour of patients, directed towards preservation (rehabilitation) of a status of a normal individual. Such behaviour may be related both with a psychologically understood motivation (for instance, a more successful social adaptation) and pathological (for instance, delusional) purposes.