Factitious Disorder

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.AbuseThe following page includes discussions of abuse, including verbal, physical, neglect, sexual (**SA also has its own warning**), etc. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.Self-HermThe following page includes discussions of self-harm and suicide. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Factitious Disorder** is a mental disorder in which someone deceives others by appearing sick by purposefully getting sick or by self-injury. Factitious disorder can also happen when family members or caregivers falsely present others as being ill, injured or impaired. Factitious disorder can range from mild to sever (formerly known as **Munchausen Syndrome**). Though individuals with factitious disorder know they are causing their symptoms, they may not understand the reason for their behavior or recognize themselves as having a problem.

## Causes

The cause of factitious disorder is unknown. However, the disorder may be caused by a combination of psychological factors and stressful life experiences.

Most patients with factitious disorder have histories of abuse, trauma, family dysfunction, social isolation, early chronic medical illness or professional experience in healthcare.

## Signs & Symptoms

* Dramatic but inconsistent medical history.
* Unclear symptoms that aren't controllable, become severe, or change once treatment has begun.
* Unpredictable relapses following improvement in the condition.
* Extensive knowledge of hospitals and/or medical terminology, as well as the textbook descriptions of illness.
* Presence of many surgical scars.
* Appearance of new or additional symptoms following negative test results.
* Presence of symptoms only when the patient is alone or not being observed.
* Willingness or eagerness to have medical tests, operations or other procedures.
* History of seeking treatment at many hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices, possibly in different cities.
* Reluctance by the patient to allow healthcare professionals to meet with or talk to family members, friends and prior healthcare providers.
* Refusal of psychiatric or psychological evaluations.
* Forecasting negative medical outcomes despite no evidence.
* The patient sabotaging discharge plans or suddenly becoming more ill as they're about to be discharged from the hospital setting.

## Treatment

Factitious disorder is challenging to identify and hard to treat. Medical and psychiatric help are critical for preventing serious injury or even death caused by the self-harm typical of this disorder.

There are no medications to treat factitious disorder, however, medication to treat any related disorder (such as depression or anxiety) may be used.

## Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID)

BIID is a subset of factitious disorder. Those with BIID have an intense desire to amputate a major limb or several spinal cords in order to become paralyzed.

## References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/factitious-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20356028

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9832-an-overview-of-factitious-disorders

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/factitious-disorders

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326051/