MUNCHAUSEN SYNDROME VS MALINGERING

Question 1

Misusing health services definition (simple)

Answer 1

• The inappropiate or ineffective use of healthcare services.

Question 2

Misusing health services (extended)

Answer 2

• The inappropiate/ ineffective use of health care services.
• In ways that do not ALIGN with MEDICAL GUIDELINES.

Question 3

What is the main intention of someone who has Munchausens syndrome?

Answer 3

• Assume a sick role
• So they can be the centre of attention/ be cared for.

Question 4

Simple definition of Munchausens syndrome

Answer 4

• A psychological disorder in which a person pretends to be unwell….. for attention.

Question 5

Define Munchausen’s syndrome

Answer 5

• A psychological disorder in which a person
• Pretends to be ill
• Deliberatley produces symptoms of illness themselves.
• In order to gain attention and assume a “sick role”

Question 6

What are some possible causes for the development of Munchausen’s syndrome?

Answer 6

1.Childhood trauma and deprivision (parental neglect/abandonment)
2. Personality disorders (BPD/NPD/ASP traits
3. Need for attention/care

Question 7

What are some key diagnostic features of Munchausen Syndrome?

Answer 7

1. Pathologic lying
2. Peregrination
3. Reccurent/ Simulated/ Feigned illnesses

PPR

Question 8

Name 4 supporting diagnostic features of Munchausen Syndrome

Answer 8

1. Equanimity for diagnostic procedures, treatments, operations
2. Knowledge of the medical field
3. Multiple hospitilisations
4. Multiple scars (abdominal)

Police records

Question 9

Munchausen syndrome is a type of…

Answer 9

• Factitious disorder
• Diagnosable condition according to ICD/ DSM

Question 10

Why is Muchausen syndrome difficult to treat/diagnose?

Answer 10

• Patients tend to disappear early on
• Limited info on its prevalence (overreporting)

Question 11

Define Malingering

Answer 11

• A factitious disorder in which
• someone produces symntoms of illness in themselves, pretends to be unwell for obvious incentive

Question 12

Name some incentives that a Malingerer would have

Answer 12

1. Avoiding criminal prosecution
2. Recieving compensation
3. Gaining disability allowance

Question 13

What is a factitious disorder?

Answer 13

• An artficially created disorder

Question 14

How is Malingering different from Munchausens?

Answer 14

• Munchausens= no external incentives. There is only a psychological benifit if assuming the sick role.
• Malingering= Obvious (material) incentive.