Malingering

Malingering

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Malingering is a medical and psychological term that refers to an individual fabricating, exaggerating, or self-inducing mental or physical health problems. Malingering is often motivated by external incentives, such as avoiding work or military service, obtaining financial compensation, evading law enforcement, or obtaining drugs.

Definition

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), malingering is not considered a mental illness. Instead, it is a condition that needs to be differentiated from other mental disorders. Malingering is characterized by the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing malingering is challenging due to the necessity of proving intent. The DSM-5 provides certain criteria that can be used to identify malingering, including a discrepancy between the person's claimed stress or disability and the objective findings, lack of cooperation during the diagnostic evaluation, and the presence of Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Treatment

Treatment for malingering is not straightforward, as it involves addressing the underlying motivations for the behavior. This often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychiatric, psychological, and social interventions.

See also

• Factitious disorder
• Munchausen syndrome
• Somatoform disorder

References

Malingering Resources
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External links

• Malingering: The Basics
• Mayo Clinic: Malingering

Further reading

• Halligan, P.W., Bass, C., & Oakley, D.A. (2003). Malingering and Illness Deception. Oxford University Press.
• Rogers, R. (2008). Clinical Assessment of Malingering and Deception, Third Edition. Guilford Press.