Factitious Disorder

Among the disorders related to somatic symptoms, there is one that stands out: Factitious Disorder. Fans of medical or crime dramas might recognize this disorder under the name Münchausen Syndrome.

A person diagnosed with Factitious Disorder deliberately causes physical or psychological symptoms in themselves or others. Essentially, they go to great lengths to appear ill or make someone they are caring for seem ill. When the person induces symptoms in others, it is referred to as Münchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (DSM-5 criteria):

• Falsification of physical or psychological symptoms.
• Presenting oneself as ill.
• Clear deceptive behavior.
• Symptoms cannot be better explained by another condition.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Others (DSM-5 criteria):

• Falsification of physical or psychological symptoms.
• Presenting another person (the victim) as ill.
• Clear deceptive behavior.
• Symptoms cannot be better explained by another condition.

Sources:

• American Psychiatric Association (2013) - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
• Bernhill, J. W. (2014) - DSM-5 Clinical Cases.

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