Factitious

Factitious disorder is a mental disorder in which a person acts as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick. Factitious disorder by proxy is when a person acts as if a person in their care has an illness when they do not.

Definition

Factitious disorder is a type of mental disorder in which a person creates or exaggerates symptoms of illness in themselves or others. This is done for various reasons, such as to gain attention, sympathy, or to fulfill the role of a sick person. The person may lie about or fake symptoms, hurt themselves to bring on symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests to make it look like they or the person in their care is sick.

Types

There are two main types of factitious disorder: factitious disorder imposed on self, and factitious disorder imposed on another (also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy).

Factitious disorder imposed on self

In this type, people pretend to be ill, hurt themselves, or change lab results to make it appear as if they are sick. They are willing to undergo painful or risky tests and operations in order to get the sympathy and special attention given to people who are truly ill.

Factitious disorder imposed on another

Also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, this type involves making another person appear sick. The person with the disorder presents another person as ill, impaired, or injured. This often involves a parent harming their child to make it appear as if the child is sick.

Causes

The exact cause of factitious disorder is not known. Researchers believe both biological and psychological factors play a role in the development of this disorder. Some theories suggest that a history of abuse or neglect as a child, or a history of frequent illnesses that required hospitalization might be factors.

Treatment

Treatment for factitious disorder can be challenging because people with this disorder often deny they are faking symptoms. Treatment generally includes psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and medication. The goal of treatment is to help the person identify the thoughts and feelings that are causing the behavior and to learn to relate to others in a more appropriate way.

See also

• Mental disorder
• Munchausen syndrome
• Munchausen syndrome by proxy

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