Other Names : Hospital addiction syndrome, Thick chart syndrome
What is Munchausen Syndrome ? A Psychiatric disorder in which the person feigns illness or disease to draw attention or sympathy.
Cause(s) :
Psychological disturbances due to abuse or neglect as a child
History of frequent illnesses requiring hospitalization
Symptoms :
Inconsistent and dramatic medical history
Unclear symptoms that become more severe or change as the treatment begins
Relapses of the symptoms after treatment, the relapses are predictable and consistent with certain events that makes the person feels neglected.
The person knows most of the medical terminology and textbook descriptions of the illnesses
If the tests results are negative for certain illness, then additional symptoms appear
Symptoms manifest only in the presence of others or certain people
Eager to get medical tests, operations, etc.
Problems with identity or self-esteem
Diagnosis and Tests :
Rule out physical illness
History of doctor hopping
Clinical presentation and history
Specialist to consult : Psychiatry
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