Munchausen's syndrome: a brief review

Munchausen's syndrome, a chronic factitious disorder, is appropriately named after an 18th century German nobleman who was noted for his story-telling ability. The disorder is an interesting oddity; however, it may not be as uncommon as most think. Behavioral motivations and clinical presentations of the illness are variable and make diagnosis difficult. Approaches to treatment vary widely and success remains elusive. As a result of their manipulative behavior and their desire not to "respond" to medical intervention, these patients are extremely frustrating to treat. The illness represents an emotional and economic stress on an already stressed medical system. If the diagnosis is suspected, efforts should be made to direct the patient toward expert sources for further evaluation and treatment.