How To Identify Factitious Disorder (Munchausen Syndrome)
Munchausen syndrome is a type of factitious disorder that involves faking symptoms of a physical or psychological disorder.It can be a mental disorder, but it is more likely to be experienced through physical symptoms.Medical doctors often don't have an explanation for symptoms or behavior, and it's difficult to understand factitious disorder.
Step 1: You should know who it affects.
Both men and women can suffer from factitious disorder.It affects adults.There is a possibility that women have a background in healthcare.Between the ages of 20-40, women with factitious disorder tend to be.Men between the ages of 30-50 are more likely to be unmarried.
Step 2: The motivation needs to be recognized.
People with disorder seek attention.These people are supposed to receive care from others.There is a core of factitious disorder.Pretending to be sick is not a motivator.
Step 3: There are identity problems and self-esteem issues.
People who show symptoms of factitious disorder tend to have low self-esteem.A person may have a convoluted family history.They might have family problems.A person with a low view of the self may be difficult to identify to.
Step 4: There are links to other disorders.
Along with someone who has factitious disorder imposed on another, or FDIA, there may be other symptoms of the disorder.If a child takes on the role of a sick child, it can cause FDIA.Some psychological disorders can be associated with factitious disorder.There is a correlation between factitious disorder and a history of abuse, neglect or other maltreatment.There is no direct link between certain disorders and factitious disorder.
Step 5: Take a look at common behaviors.
Someone with factitious disorder can alter blood or urine samples, hurt themselves or lie to medical teams.Individuals may have a long medical history.Belly pain, nausea/vomiting, difficulty breathing, and blacking out are the most common physical complaints.
Step 6: Is the person trying to get sick?
A person may try to spread a wound, go to crowded places to get a cold, or increase their risk of getting an infectious disease.Eating or drinking from sick containers is one of the behaviors that can be done.The purpose of these behaviors is to get sick so the person can get help.
Step 7: There are complaints of difficult to measure symptoms.
Chronic diarrhea or stomach ache are some of the persistent problems that the individual may complain about.No symptoms are found after testing or a medical examination.Difficult to measure symptoms may include chest pains or difficulty breathing.
Step 8: When symptoms are present, note the events.
When in the presence of other people, the individual may report symptoms.When the person is alone or not around, the symptoms may not appear.The symptoms can only be seen when the person is being observed, either in a medical setting or by family or friends.When the symptoms are present, ask the person.When near family or friends, do the symptoms get worse?Does treatment work until a family member is present?Is the person unwilling to include family in treatment?
Step 9: Look for eagerness to take exams and medical tests.
People with factitious disorder may want to get medical tests, procedures, or operations.They may insist on being tested for diseases or disorders.When a doctor recommends testing or treatment, they may appear happy or gleeful.If you don't have factitious disorder, you may feel relief at finally getting help, but you want to get better, not because you enjoy being sick.
Step 10: There is a comfort level in a medical setting.
A person with a factitious disorder may have an extensive knowledge of medical treatment, disorders, medical terminology, and descriptions of illness.The person can appear at ease in a medical setting.
Step 11: Seek assistance from multiple sources.
Someone who gets a negative test from a medical facility may choose to go to another facility in order to get a positive response.A person may go to several medical centers in order to have a diagnosis confirmed several times over.The pattern of behavior is meant to affirm the presence of an illness.
Step 12: Contact previous treatment teams to detect hesitance.
A long medical history can make a person hesitant to contact previous treatment teams.The person might be afraid of the truth being told or suspicions being raised.They are able to deny past medical treatment or refuse to share medical information.Hospitals may not call family or friends to confirm symptoms if the person doesn't want to.
Step 13: If the problems get worse after treatment, be on the lookout.
It can be indicative of factitious disorder if an individual gets treatment and the symptoms get worse.The person may say that their symptoms have gotten worse after treatment.There is no apparent medical cause for the symptoms.After treatment, there may be additional symptoms that are unrelated to the ones being treated.
Step 14: There are new problems after negative tests.
If a person with factitious disorder gets a negative medical test, they may suddenly develop different or worse symptoms.The person can request more testing or receive tests from another medical center.It is possible that the symptoms are unrelated to what the individual was originally tested for.
Step 15: Don't worry about depression.
Unexplained aches and pains can be symptoms of depression.headaches, back pain, and stomach pain are some of the symptoms.These symptoms can be symptoms of depression, even if they don't have a medical cause.It is important to look into the motivation of the pains or discomfort, as symptoms may be medically unexplained.The individual may show other symptoms of depression, such as low mood or energy, changes in appetite or sleep, and difficulty concentrating, as a result of the aches and pains.It may be factitious disorder if it appears to be attention-seeking.You can learn more about depression by reading How to Tell if You are Depressed.
Step 16: There are symptoms of obsessivecompulsive disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive disorder can include unexplained medical symptoms, such as being convinced one is dying or suffering a heart attack.A person may become obsessed with the idea that they are sick and need treatment, and may demand medical tests and treatment.It's possible that these obsessive thoughts have a component like ritualistic cleansing or showering, or praying too much.A person with a mental illness wants to get rid of it.They may be adamant that they are suffering from an illness or disease, and frustrated when medical professionals do not take the symptoms seriously.People diagnosed with factitious disorder want the symptoms to go away so they don't see positive reinforcement from being treated.There is more information on how to know if you have OCD.
Step 17: The address is anxiety.
There are some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, muscle tension, headaches, sweating, and frequent urination.The symptoms of anxiety can be confused with a medical origin.People with anxiety can jump to negative conclusions.It is possible that a small medical problem may be perceived as a medical emergency.Extreme tension, worry, and distress may be caused by a perceived medical emergency.They may be frustrated that medical practitioners are not taking the symptoms seriously and request further testing.These symptoms cause distress in people with anxiety.Unlike those with factitious disorder, they want the symptoms to go away.You can find information on how to recognize anxiety in yourself, stop anxiety, and cope with panic attacks.
Step 18: Hypochondria, also known as Illness Anxiety Disorder, is a possibility.
Illness Anxiety Disorder is a fear-based disorder in which a person seeks medical help for minor or imagined symptoms because they are afraid of being seriously ill.It varies from day to day or week to week.A person with this disorder wants their symptoms to go away because they are afraid of illness.
Step 19: Talk to a mental health professional.
It is best to see a mental health professional if a diagnosis is not clear.A mental health professional can diagnose and treat factitious disorder, as well as rule out and/or treat other diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, or other disorders.It is best to see a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis of factitious disorder, as it is psychological in nature.