🩺 Factitious Disorder / Münchausen Syndrome


Overview:

Factitious Disorder, previously known as Münchausen Syndrome, is a rare mental health condition where someone deliberately exaggerates, fabricates, or induces symptoms of illness — either in themselves or in another person — to gain attention, sympathy, or care.


When someone does this to themselves, it’s called Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self.

When a caregiver causes illness in another person (often a child), it’s called Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another, or historically, Münchausen by Proxy — a serious form of child abuse.


This condition is not motivated by money or reward — it comes from deep psychological pain, trauma, or unmet emotional needs.


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📊 Prevalence & Facts

• Factitious disorder is rare, affecting less than 1% of hospital patients (Yates & Feldman, 2016).

• Women are diagnosed more often than men, especially in healthcare professions.

• Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (caregiver form) occurs in 1–2 cases per 100,000 children, though it may be underreported due to secrecy (Rosenberg, 2003).


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💭 Common Signs


In teens (self-imposed):

• Frequent ER or doctor visits with vague or inconsistent symptoms

• Extensive knowledge of medical terms or procedures

• Symptoms that appear when being observed

• Willingness to undergo painful tests or treatments

• Symptoms vanish when alone


In caregiver-imposed cases (Münchausen by Proxy):

• The child is frequently ill without clear cause

• Medical history doesn’t match test results

• Caregiver is overly involved, defensive, or refuses to leave the child’s side

• Child improves when separated from the caregiver


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🧠 Possible Causes

• Childhood trauma or history of illness during youth

• Desire for attention, care, or to feel important

• Personality traits such as borderline or narcissistic tendencies

• Underlying depression, anxiety, or identity disturbance


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🌷 How Families and Providers Can Respond

• Stay compassionate — it’s a mental illness, not a manipulation game.

• Do not confront harshly; it may increase denial or distress.

• Medical and mental health teams should coordinate care closely.

• For caregiver-imposed cases, report immediately to child protective services— the child’s safety comes first.

• Long-term psychotherapy is essential; progress may take time.


💬 The goal of treatment is not blame, but helping individuals find healthier ways to receive care, safety, and emotional connection.


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References:

• Yates, G. P., & Feldman, M. D. (2016). Factitious disorder: A review of 455 cases. Psychosomatics, 57(4), 376–382.

• Rosenberg, D. A. (2003). Web of deceit: A literature review of Münchausen syndrome by proxy. Child Abuse & Neglect, 27(4), 421–437.

• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., Text Revision).