Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 25-07: Somatic Symptom Disorders (Abnormal Illness Behaviors) + Key Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Self-induced symptoms or false physical and laboratory findings in an attempt to deceive clinicians Unlike the somatic symptom disorders, symptom production is intentional No apparent external motivation for the deceptive behaviors other than achieving the sick role In factitious disorder imposed on self (formerly Munchausen syndrome), the deception is carried out by the patient In factitious disorder imposed on another (formerly Munchausen by proxy), a parent creates an illness in a child so that the parent can maintain a relationship with clinicians Patients are frequently connected in some way to the health professions and often are migratory + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Deceptions may involve Fever Self-mutilation Hemorrhage Hypoglycemia Seizures Many other symptoms False physical and/or laboratory findings Presentations are often dramatic and exaggerated, but the duplicity may also be complex and difficult to recognize + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Determining that physical or laboratory findings are false + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Early psychiatric consultation is indicated Two main treatment strategies Conjoint confrontation of the patient by both the primary clinician and the psychiatrist The patient's disorder is portrayed as a cry for help, and psychiatric treatment is recommended Avoidance of direct confrontation and attempt to provide a face-saving way to relinquish the symptom without overt disclosure of the disorder's origin