Instead, they often undergo painful and sometimes life-threatening surgery, even though they know it is unnecessary. It is hard to estimate how many people are affected by Munchausen's syndrome. They tend to be highly secretive and often use a number of false identities. Once their deception is uncovered they discharge themselves from hospital and move to another area. The condition is thought to be most common in white men aged between 30 and It is unclear why this is the case.
The causes of Munchausen's syndrome are largely unknown. Most people who have been diagnosed with the condition refuse to accept any sort of psychiatric treatment so little is known about their motives or thought processes. There is a variant of Munchausen's syndrome, called Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, in which an individual fabricates or induces illness in a person under their care, typically a child.
There are four main ways in which people with Munchausen's syndrome can feign or induce illnesses, which are outlined below:. As most people with Munchausen's syndrome refuse to co-operate with any sort of psychiatric treatment or psychological profiling, there is little available evidence on the possible causes of the condition. There is a consensus of opinion that Munchausen's syndrome is a type of personality disorder.
Personality disorders are a class of mental health conditions in which an individual has a distorted pattern of thoughts and beliefs about themselves and others which lead them to behave in ways most people would regard as disturbed and abnormal. One theory is that people with Munchausen's syndrome have an anti-social personality disorder which causes them to take pleasure in manipulating and deceiving doctors.
They may see a doctor as a figure of authority, so tricking these figures of authority, gives them a sense of power and control. Another theory is that Munchausen's syndrome is an attempt to form relationships and become more socially acceptable. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About Munchausen syndrome Symptoms of Munchausen syndrome Common presentations of Munchausen syndrome Common complications of Munchausen syndrome Risk factors for Munchausen syndrome Diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome Treatment of Munchausen syndrome Munchausen syndrome by proxy Where to get help.
About Munchausen syndrome Munchausen syndrome also known as factitious disorder is a rare type of mental disorder in which a person fakes illness. Often people with Munchausen syndrome have experienced childhood trauma. Symptoms of Munchausen syndrome A person with Munchausen syndrome gains intense satisfaction from the attention associated with playing the ill patient.
Signs and symptoms that may suggest Munchausen syndrome include: a spectacular medical history that includes many tests, medical procedures and operations an odd collection of seemingly unrelated symptoms a lack of conclusive results despite intense medical investigations new symptoms that appear after medical tests prove negative extensive medical knowledge of many different illnesses frequently visiting many different doctors, sometimes in other states or territories frequent presentation at emergency departments, usually at different hospitals requests for invasive medical procedures or surgeries failure to improve despite medical treatment, including relapsing for unknown reasons.
Common presentations of Munchausen syndrome A person with Munchausen syndrome may convince doctors in many ways. Common complications of Munchausen syndrome A person with Munchausen syndrome is at risk of many complications including: side effects from prescription medicines, including overdose complications from poisoning or self-harm practices complications from medical procedures or surgeries death from self-harm or complications of medical intervention.
Risk factors for Munchausen syndrome Some people may have a higher risk of developing Munchausen syndrome than others. Risk factors may include: chronic illness during childhood — the person may have received a lot of attention because of their illness chronic illness of a significant family member when the person was a child self-esteem or identity problems relationship problems difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy ability to lie and manipulate a history of mental problems such as depression , hallucinations or post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD the need to blame personal failures on external factors, such as illness.
Diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome Diagnosis is difficult because a range of legitimate physical and mental illnesses must be ruled out first. The person is unusually eager to undergo invasive medical procedures and operations. Treatment of Munchausen syndrome Treatment aims to manage rather than cure the condition, but is rarely successful. Treatment options may include: Medications to treat associated mental health illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
Unfortunately, a person with Munchausen syndrome may misuse prescription drugs to provoke symptoms for further medical intervention.
However, it is unlikely that someone with Munchausen syndrome would admit to falsifying symptoms, which can make progress difficult. Physically harm the child to produce symptoms. What causes Munchausen syndrome by proxy? How does someone with Munchausen syndrome by proxy act?
Seems devoted to his or her child. Looks for sympathy and attention. Tries too hard to become close and friendly with medical staff. Needs to feel powerful and in control. Does not see his or her behavior as harmful. What are the clues that a person may have Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Doctors or nurses may suspect a problem when: A child has a repeated or unusual illness, and no reason can be found. The child doesn't get better, even with treatments that should help.
Symptoms only occur when the caregiver is with or has recently been with the child. But symptoms get better or go away when the caregiver is not there or is being closely watched. The other parent usually the father is not involved in the child's treatment, even though the child's condition may be serious.
A caregiver suddenly changes doctors and lies about prior testing and treatment. Normal test results don't reassure the caregiver. And he or she may be strangely calm or happy when the child's condition is getting worse. The caregiver is seen or videotaped or recorded harming the child or causing symptoms. Another child in the family has had unexplained illness or death. How is it treated? What should you do if you think someone has Munchausen syndrome by proxy? Instead, think about these options: Keep a journal of the child's symptoms and other related events.
Treating Munchausen's syndrome can be difficult because most people with it refuse to admit they have a problem and refuse to co-operate with treatment plans. Some experts recommend that healthcare professionals should adopt a gentle non-confrontational approach, suggesting the person may benefit from a referral to a psychiatrist.
Others argue that a person with Munchausen's syndrome should be confronted directly and asked why they've lied and whether they have stress and anxiety. People who have Munchausen's are genuinely mentally ill, but will often only admit to having a physical illness. If a person admits to their behaviour, they can be referred to a psychiatrist for further treatment. If they do not admit to lying, most experts agree the doctor in charge of their care should minimise medical contact with them.
This is because the doctor-patient relationship is based on trust and if there's evidence the patient can no longer be trusted, the doctor is unable to continue treating them. It may be possible to help control the symptoms of Munchausen's syndrome if the person admits they have a problem and co-operates with treatment.
There's no standard treatment for Munchausen's syndrome, but a combination of psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioural therapy CBT has shown some success controlling symptoms. Psychoanalysis is a type of psychotherapy that attempts to uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs and motivations. CBT helps a person identify unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs and behavioural patterns. A specially trained therapist teaches the person ways of replacing unrealistic beliefs with more realistic and balanced ones.
People with Munchausen's syndrome still in close contact with their family may also benefit from having family therapy. The person with the syndrome and their close family members discuss how it's affected the family and the positive changes that can be made. It can also teach family members how to avoid reinforcing the person's abnormal behaviour.
For example, this could involve recognising when the person is playing the "sick role" and avoiding showing them concern or offering support.
0コメント