Factitious Disorder 

When suffering from a factitious disorder, a person may actively hurt themselves, make up an illness, or act sick to deceive others. A factitious disease can cause mild (slight amplification of symptoms) or severe symptoms (previously called Munchausen syndrome).

The act of inventing a disorder is distinct from falsely disclosing a medical ailment in order to benefit from it, such as receiving a leave of absence or winning a legal case. When a person has factitious disorder, they could not understand or acknowledge the reasons for their behaviours.

Symptoms

Factitious disorder signs may imitate, produce, or exaggerate a disease, disability, or handicap in order to deceive people. As they take great pains to hide their dishonesty, it may be difficult for those with the condition to recognise that their symptoms are actually a part of a serious mental health disorder. Despite not receiving any obvious benefits or rewards or in the face of independent evidence that refutes their assertions, they continue to lie.

Factitious disorder symptoms and signs might include:

psychological or physical conditions that are smart and convincing

• thorough understanding of illnesses and medical jargon
• Uncertain or unpredictable symptoms3
• Symptoms that worsen without apparent cause
• Conditions that don't respond to routine therapy as expected
• Seeking treatment from a variety of hospitals or doctors, possibly while using a false name
• Refusing to let doctors speak with friends, family, or other medical professionals
• Frequent hospital stays
• Eagerness to engage in deception

How those with factitious disorder fake illness

When people with factitious disorders become experts at faking symptoms, maladies, and injuries, or inflicting genuine pain upon themselves, it may be difficult for medical professionals and loved ones to tell whether illnesses are real or not.

People with factitious disorders can exaggerate symptoms or instigate illnesses in a number of ways, including:

increasing the severity of existing symptoms. Even when a true medical or mental illness is present, people  "therapist near me "may exaggerate symptoms to make themselves appear sicker or more impaired than they actually are.

fabricating histories. They might make up a medical history to discuss with relatives, physicians, or support groups, such as claiming they had AIDS or cancer. They can also make up medical records to prove that a sickness exists.

making up a disease.

Tampering. They could tamper with medical tools, such hot thermometers, to skew the results. They can also falsify lab tests by contaminating urine samples with blood or other substances.

When to see a doctor

Even though persons with factitious disorder may be fully aware of the risks associated with self-harm or the therapy they desire, they are unable to control their behaviour and are less likely to seek assistance. Even when given hard evidence — like a recording — that they are the source of their illness, individuals usually contest it and refuse psychiatric help.

If you suspect a loved one of faking or exaggerating their medical problems, try to have a friendly  relationship counsellor conversation with them about your worries. Stay away from becoming irate, harsh, or confrontational. Moreover, make an effort to place less emphasis on unhealthy attitudes and behaviours and more emphasis on praising and promoting healthier, more productive activities. Provide solace, empathy, and, if you can

Causes

It is uncertain what causes factitious disorder. Yet, a mix of psychological issues and traumatic events may also contribute to the illness.

Risk factors

Factitious disorder risk may be affected by a variety of factors, such as:=

1. such as physical, mental, or sexual abuse experienced as a child
2. a serious disease experienced as a child
3. previously encountered illnesses and the attention they drew
4. a weakened sense of self or identity
5. Psychiatric issues
6. Depression
7. a desire to engage with medical facilities or professionals

working in the healthcare sector 10. Factitious condition is classified as rare, but it is unclear how common it is. Given that some patients visit several hospitals and doctors, some use fictitious names to avoid being identified, and some go unidentified, it is difficult to provide an objective assessment.

Complications

Patients with factitious disorders are willing to risk their lives to be recognised as unwell. Many people also struggle with other mental health issues. As a result, they face a variety of possible challenges, including

1. Accidents or fatalities caused by illnesses that people create on themselves
2. grave illnesses brought on by infections, unnecessary procedures, or other treatments
3. Organ or limb loss as a result of unnecessary surgery
4. Abuse of drugs or alcohol
5. Abuse when another person is subjected to the behaviour
6. Significant concerns in relationships, employment, and daily life

Prevention

As there is no recognised cause for factitious disorder, there is also no known cure. Early detection and treatment of factitious disorder may help avoid the need for unnecessary testing and therapies that could be detrimental.