Munchausen Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric disorder in which those affected feign disease, illness, or psychological trauma in order to draw attention or sympathy to themselves. Munchausen syndrome is a type of condition broadly and also known as factitious disorder. Munchausen syndrome is distinguished from other factitious diseases by the lack of overt secondary gain. Munchausen syndrome is a mental illness associated with severe emotional difficulties. Factitious means false or artificial, and indeed, these disorders are either made up or self-inflicted. Factitious disorders can be psychological or physical. The potential for significant inadvertent morbidity and mortality exists because patients with Munchausen syndrome go to extreme measures to simulate true organic diseases and may cause real disease in the process. In Munchausen syndrome, the affected person exaggerates or creates symptoms of illnesses in themselves in order to gain investigation, treatment, attention, sympathy, and comfort from medical personnel. The role of "patient" is a familiar and comforting one, and it fills a psychological need in people with Munchausen's. MSBP is child abuse and must be dealt with when it is suspected. Because of the dangerous nature of the varied means used to create factitious symptoms, the mortality rate is significant; estimates range from 5-50%.

Munchausen Syndrome is distinct from hypochondria in that the patient is aware that he is exaggerating, while sufferers of hypochondria actually believe they have a disease. Munchausen Syndrome is currently a topic of intense interest. People with this syndrome deliberately produce or exaggerate symptoms in several ways. They might lie about or fake symptoms, hurt themselves to bring on symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests (such as contaminating a urine sample). Signs of Munchausen syndrome include is dramatic but inconsistent medical history. Presence of symptoms only when the patient is alone or not being observed and willingness or eagerness to have medical tests. The most cause of Munchausen syndrome is biological, psychological factors and personality disorders. Munchausen syndrome afflicts the patient who presents with the complaint. Munchausen syndrome by proxy involves inflicting injury on a child or other dependent person in order to simulate symptoms. Treatment of Munchausen syndrome is often difficult, and there are no standard treatments for the condition. Treatment generally includes psychotherapy and behavior counseling.

Causes of Munchausen Syndrome

Common causes and Risk factors of Munchausen Syndrome

• Biological factors.
• Psychological factors.
• A history of abuse or neglect as a child.
• Personality disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome

Common Sign and Symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome

• Vague.
• Sleep apnea.
• Fever.
• Vomiting.
• Poorly formed identity and severe problems with self-esteem.
• Dramatic stories about numerous medical problems.

Treatment of Munchausen Syndrome

Common Treatment of Munchausen Syndrome

• Nonconfrontational intervention may help people with Munchausen.
• Treatment generally includes psychotherapy and behavior counseling. If possible, family therapy also may be suggested.
• Monitor ongoing medical care usage by involving people or institutions outside the medical practice to alert the physician gatekeeper about health care issues.
• Medications may be used to treat other mental disorders that are also present, such as depression or anxiety.