Munchausen Syndrome

“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself.” 

- D.H. Lawrence

Munchausen syndrome is a type of factitious disorder, or mental illness, whereby a person repeatedly acts as if they have a physical or mental disorder when, in reality, they have caused the symptoms. Sufferers of factitious disorders behave in this because of an inner need to be seen as ill or injured. It is usually not to attain a tangible benefit, such as financial gain. These people are even willing to undergo painful or dangerous tests and operations in order to get the special attention and sympathy given to people who really are ill. Some people will even resort to secretively injuring themselves in order to cause signs like blood in the urine or cyanosis of a limb. Munchausen syndrome is a mental illness associated with severe emotional difficulties.

Munchausen syndrome was named after Baron von Munchausen, an 18th century German officer, who was best known for exaggerating the stories of his life and experiences. It is the most severe type of factitious disorder. Most symptoms in people with Munchausen syndrome are related to physical illness symptoms such as chest pain, stomach problems, or fever, rather than symptoms of a mental disorder.

The symptoms of Munchausen syndrome include deliberately produced or exaggerated symptoms in many ways. Sufferers may lie about or fake symptoms, hurt themselves to bring on symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests. Possible warning signs of Munchausen syndrome include dramatic but inconsistent medical history, unclear symptoms, extensive knowledge of hospitals and medical terminology, multiple surgical scars, problems with identity and self-esteem. There are many forms that this disorder comes in. These are possibly feigning cancer, cardiac disease, skin disorders, infections, bleeding disorders, metabolic disorders and chronic diarrhea.

The precise cause of Munchausen syndrome is not known. Researchers do, however believe both biological and psychological factors play a role in the development of this syndrome. Some theories suggest that a history of abuse or neglect as a child, or a history of frequent illnesses requiring hospitalisation, might be associated with the development of this syndrome.

While Munchausen syndrome can occur in children, it most often affects young adults.

Diagnosing Munchausen syndrome is problematic due to the dishonesty that is involved. If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, the person may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They then use a thorough medical history and physical, laboratory imagery, and psychological assessment tools to evaluate a person for Munchausen syndrome. The doctor bases their diagnosis on the exclusion of physical or other psychiatric disorders, and their thought of the patient’s attitude and behavior.

Although a person with Munchausen syndrome actively seeks treatment for the various disorders he or she invents, the person often is unwilling to admit to and seek treatment for the syndrome itself. This makes treatment for people with Munchausen syndrome very challenging, and the stance for recovery poor. When treatment is sought after, the first goal is to change the person’s behavior and reduce their misuse of medical resources. As with other factitious disorders, the primary treatment for Munchausen syndrome is psychotherapy.

People with Munchausen syndrome are at risk of health problems and even death. This is related to hurting themselves and causing their own symptoms. They might also suffer from reactions or health problems associated with multiple tests, procedures, and treatments, and are at high risk for substance abuse and suicide attempts. In most cases the disorder is a chronic, or long-term, condition. Further, many people with Munchausen syndrome deny they are faking symptoms and will not seek or follow any form of treatment. It is thus more realistic to work toward managing the disorder rather than trying to cure it. Avoiding unnecessary, inappropriate admissions to the hospital, testing, or treatment is important. Support from family and friends is also recommended (Cleveland Clinic, 2014). 

References

Cleveland Clinic, (2014). Cleveland Clinic: Munchausen Syndrome. [online] Available at: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/factitious_disorders/hic_munchausen_syndrome.aspx [Accessed 19 May. 2014].