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Munchausen's syndrome: oral presentations
C Scully1, J W Eveson, S R Porter
1Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Healthcare Sciences, London.
British Dental Journal
|January 21, 1995
Summary
Munchausen's syndrome is a rare psychiatric disorder where patients feign illness, leading to unnecessary medical procedures. Diagnosis requires excluding all other organic diseases and conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Medical Psychology
Background:
- Munchausen's syndrome is a rare psychiatric disorder characterized by factitious disorder imposed on self.
- Patients with this disorder intentionally feign, exaggerate, or induce illness to assume the sick role.
Observation:
- Two cases are presented: one with recurrent dental pain necessitating endodontic treatment, and another with salivary gland pain and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
- These cases highlight the diverse and often complex presentations of Munchausen's syndrome.
Findings:
- Munchausen's syndrome involves repeated confabulation leading to unnecessary investigations and operative treatments.
- The syndrome can manifest with symptoms mimicking various organic conditions, including dental and neurological pain.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of Munchausen's syndrome is challenging and relies on the exclusion of all organic and other psychiatric diseases.
- Recognition of this disorder is crucial for healthcare providers to avoid iatrogenic harm and ensure appropriate patient management.