Munchausen syndrome

Content provided by Healthwise

Munchausen syndrome

Munchausen syndrome (or factitious disorder) is a mental disorder in which a person intentionally produces physical or psychological symptoms of illness. A person with Munchausen syndrome acts from a need to be cared for, which may be in conflict with a distrust of health professionals.

The person may:

Claim that he or she has symptoms, when none exist.
Produce false test results, such as by sticking a thermometer in hot water to mimic a fever or by putting bacteria or something else in laboratory test samples.
Self-inflict injuries, such as cutting the skin.
Create symptoms, such as causing vomiting by taking medication.
Say that symptoms are worse than they really are, such as claiming to have severe pain or bleeding when a milder condition is actually present.
Request surgical procedures.

Treatment primarily consists of counseling to prevent the affected person from further self-harm and to stop providing unnecessary and potentially harmful medical treatment.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.