Factitious Disorder

It is assumed that, in general, no one wants to be sick. It’s also assumed that those who seek medical treatment are providing an honest medical history in order to get the most accurate treatment possible and will follow the prescribed treatment through to the end with the goal of a complete recovery.

This is not the case for those who are diagnosed with factitious disorder. Patients who make up symptoms in order to gain a certain diagnosis that they believe will garner them the attention, care and interest of others have no intention of getting better. Why? Experts believe that those with factitious disorder simply feel more comfortable in the “sick role.”

Signs of Factitious Disorder

• Evasive and vague when answering questions about symptoms
• Avoid providing documentation of former discharge notices or insurance claims
• Offer a dramatic medical history that sounds questionable
• Claims symptoms of pain and distress that are hard to document

It is difficult to diagnose and treat factitious disorder because, by definition, patients do not want to get help. However, family members who recognize the problem can play a role in helping them find treatment to heal. Treatment options often include:

• Psychiatric care to address the underlying issues and drive to identify as a victim of illness
• Medication to reduce compulsive behavior and reduce the act of self-inflicted harm
• Family therapy can benefit everyone hurt by the patient’s need to be in the sick role
• Dual diagnosis treatment when other mental health issues are identified