Munchausen syndrome is a serious mental disorder that involves a person repeatedly and deliberately behaving as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not actually ill, or causing the person to become ill by harming themselves. Symptoms of this syndrome range from mild, which is a simple exaggeration of symptoms, to severe.
A person with this syndrome may fake symptoms or even tamper with medical tests to convince others of the need for treatment. This disorder is not the same as inventing medical problems for practical benefit, such as getting out of work or winning a lawsuit. Although people with Munchausen syndrome know they are causing their symptoms or illnesses themselves, they may not understand the reasons for their actions or not realize that they have a problem.
The complications of Munchausen syndrome are as follows:
– Injury or death from autoimmune medical conditions.
Severe health problems from infections or unnecessary surgery.
Loss of organs or limbs from unnecessary surgery.
Consuming alcohol or misusing other substances.
Facing major problems in daily life, relationships, and work.
Treating Munchausen syndrome is difficult, especially since the person with the syndrome wants to be in the role of the patient and does not want to be treated. However, approaching the patient in a gentle way may help him accept the idea of treatment.
Directly accusing the patient of claiming illness and having a mental disorder makes the affected person angry and defensive, which may end the patient’s relationship with the doctor and make the patient look for another place for treatment, so the doctor may be forced to accept fake symptoms and provide information and assistance.
Doctors and loved ones can promote healthy productive behaviors without paying attention to symptoms.
2023-07-10 07:21:31
#patient #patient.. #difficulttotreat #syndrome
