Munchausen syndrome
The affected person exaggerates or create symptoms of illness in themselves/own child to gain attention,examination,treatment,sympathy and comfort from medical personnel.
Also known as "hospital addiction syndrome".
Named after Baron von munchausen, 18th century german officer who would tell fantastic and impossible stories about himself.
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Possible Causes
- History of abuse or neglect as a child
- History of illness requiring hospitalisation
Diagnosing is very difficult because of the dishonesty that is involved. Doctors must rule out any possible physical and mental illnesses,and often use a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures before considering diagnosis for munchausen syndrome.
This syndrome, i think require Doctors to be ethical in administering treatment. Given the complexity of identification of this syndrome, the patients must be studied from all aspects - Physical, Psychological etc.
ReplyDeleteits really a useful post.