Factitious Disorder
- A-B
- C-D
- E-F
- G-H
- I-J
- K-L
- M-N
- O-P
- Q-R
- S-T
- U-V
- W-X
- Y-Z
This disorder is a serious mental health condition where individuals deliberately fake, exaggerate, or induce illness symptoms in themselves or others to gain attention, sympathy, or care from others. It is not a form of malingering, which is faking symptoms for external gain, but rather an internal, psychological motivation. A form of this disorder, called Munchausen by proxy (or Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another), involves a caregiver falsely presenting a child or another person as ill, which can be a form of abuse.
Unusually complex medical history: The history is often inconsistent or does not add up.
Vague symptoms: Symptoms may change, worsen, or appear new after negative test results.
Eagerness for procedures: A willingness to undergo many tests and procedures, sometimes even when they are unnecessary.
Knowledge of medicine: Extensive knowledge of diseases, hospitals, and medical procedures.
Seeking care at multiple locations: A pattern of visiting numerous clinics and hospitals for care.