What is
Factitious Disorder (including Munchausen Syndrome)?

Factitious Disorder (including Munchausen Syndrome) is a mental health issue that can impact individuals in different ways. Understanding and addressing it through therapy can lead to improved well-being and quality of life.

What Is It?

Factitious Disorder is a mental health condition where a person deliberately fakes, exaggerates, or induces illness in themselves or others to gain attention, care, or sympathy. Unlike malingering, this behaviour isn’t motivated by external rewards like money or avoidance.

Common Experiences

Individuals may go to great lengths to appear ill—tampering with medical tests, falsifying symptoms, or even harming themselves. They often have extensive medical knowledge and frequently seek treatment from different providers, making diagnosis challenging. Emotional needs typically drive their behaviour, not deception for gain.

How It Can Affect You

Factitious Disorder can result in unnecessary medical procedures, long-term health complications, and strained relationships. It often coexists with trauma, personality disorders, or attachment issues. Treatment involves psychotherapy focused on building trust, addressing underlying emotional pain, and finding healthier ways to meet emotional needs.