Factitious Disorder Unless otherwise indicated, the answers are from DSM-IV-TR or First and Tasman. As of 1Sep08.

Factitious Disorder DSM-IV criteria Q. List the three core criteria of factitious disorder.

Criteria Ans.: 1.Intentional production of signs or symptoms of illnesses. 2.External incentives for the behavior [money, avoiding legal responsibility, and so forth] are absent. 3.The motivation is to assume the sick role [almost always hospital sick role].

Types Q. What are the three types?

Types Ans. 1.With predominately psychological signs/symptoms. 2.With predominately physical signs/symptoms 3.With combined psychological and physical signs/symptoms

Another name Q. What is another name of the With Predominately Physical Signs/symptoms?

Another name Ans. Munchausen’s syndrome.

Gender aspects Q. Which gender predominates? Which gender has the more severe cases?

Gender aspects Ans. More common in females, and more severe in men.

Prevalence Q. What can we say about the prevalence?

Prevalence Ans. Uncommon in most settings, but about 1% of hospital C&L consultations.

Common associated disorder Q. Most common other DSM-IV disorder?

Common associated disorder Ans. Borderline [need reference]

Factitious Disorder by Proxy Q. What is factitious disorder by proxy?

Factitious disorder by proxy Ans. A factitious disorder in which the intentional production of psychological/physical signs/symptoms in another person [usually mother producng for her child].

Treatment Q. What is the established treatment?

Treatment Ans. No established treatment. Important to avoid countertransference reactions. Look for other disorders to treat, such as borderline. [Note the irony of wanting the sick role, but not the factitious sick role.]