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Health Information and Tools >  Factitious disorder imposed on self

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Factitious disorder imposed on self

Factitious disorder imposed on self is a mental health condition. A person with this condition pretends to be sick, makes themself sick, or injures themself to get attention. Factitious disorder is sometimes called Munchausen syndrome.

The person may:

  • Claim that they have 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 medicine.
  • 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 counselling to prevent the affected person from further self-harm and to stop providing unnecessary and potentially harmful medical treatment.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.