Understanding Munchausen syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Munchausen syndrome

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder, a mental disorder in which a person deliberately acts as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick. The syndrome is named after Baron von Munchausen, a German officer was known for embellishing the stories of his life and experiences. Most of the symptoms in people with Munchausen syndrome are related to physical illness, symptoms such as stomach problems, chest pain, or fever.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms and behaviors of Munchausen syndrome may include dramatic but inconsistent medical history, unclear symptoms that are not controllable and that become more severe or change once treatment has begun, presence of multiple surgical scars, problems with identity and self-esteem, reluctance to allow the doctors to talk to family or friends of the patient.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome is very difficult because the dishonesty and lack of collaboration from the patient side. Doctors must rule out any possible and honest physical and mental illness before diagnosing the Munchausen syndrome.

Treatment

The first goal is to modify the person's behavior and reduce their overuse of medical resources. Then, working out to identify any psychological issue and treat it, either with a psychological treatments or meds.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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