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Munchausen syndrome is a mental health 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:
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: October 20, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine & Lisa S. Weinstock MD - Psychiatry
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