Does Munchausen Syndrome Exist?
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Does Munchausen Syndrome Exist?

Much mystery surrounds the interesting and sometimes dangerous condition known loosely as Munchausen Syndrome. Experts categorize it as a Factitious Disorder, meaning an artificial condition. Originally the term was used interchangeably with all factitious disorders, but now it is commonly used to refer to the most severe form of factitious disorder in which the individual simulates diseases and illnesses. The condition can be so severe that this behavior is the main activity and focus of the person’s life.

People who are suspected of having it intentionally create or exaggerate symptoms of illness in various ways. Why they do this is largely unknown, but it may be associated with an inner need to be seen by others as sick, ill or injured. Some people with Munchausen Syndrome lie about their symptoms, fake them, hurt themselves on purpose to bring about symptoms, and even alter diagnostic tests (e.g. contaminate their urine sample on purpose). One thing that experts agree on is that people don’t “fake” symptoms for financial gain, like worker’s compensation.

Origins of the Name

The name of the syndrome comes from the story written in the late 1700s of Baron von Munchausen, German nobleman, who purportedly told wild and impossible adventures about himself and his extensive travels. The story was re-written many times over hundreds of years. In 1951, Richard Asher, a British physician, first described the condition in an article published in The Lancet. In it, he describes patients who displayed patterns of self-harm, fabrication of stories, and various symptoms of illnesses they did not have.

Symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome

What do people with this syndrome do, act or say? Is it easy to determine if someone is faking symptoms for attention? Here are some signs and symptoms to look for:

  • Dramatic but inconsistent medical history
  • Unclear and uncontrollable symptoms that worsen after treatment
  • Appearance of new or additional symptoms after negative tests results
  • Predictable relapses after symptoms improve
  • Extensive knowledge of hospitals and medical information
  • Numerous surgical scars
  • Willingness and eagerness to have medical tests and operations
  • History of seeking treatment
  • Reluctance to allow healthcare professionals to meet family, friends or other providers

Illness and Conditions Commonly Misrepresented

It may be difficult to believe, but individuals with Munchausen Syndrome can be so incredibly convincing at faking certain illnesses that healthcare professionals and practitioners are fooled by them. Some of the most commonly used conditions include allergies, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, depression, fibromyalgia, heart disease, lupus, kidney disease, obsessive-compulsive behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder and sexual abuse. These individuals study illnesses and have vast knowledge about medications and treatments.

Can Munchausen be Treated?

Treating individuals with this disorder is tricky at best, mainly because they seek care for the various disorders they invent and not for Munchausen itself. As a matter of fact, in most cases, people with the illness do not want treatment for it and are unwilling to admit that they may have it. This makes successful treatment difficult.

In general, the prognosis for Munchausen Syndrome is very poor. When people do seek treatment, the practitioner will most likely attempt some form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, as the first goal is to modify the attention-seeking behavior. Psychotherapy remains the primary mode of treatment and while there are no medications for the disorder itself, some psychiatric medications may be prescribed for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. At this time, there are also no known preventions.

Final Thoughts on Munchausen Syndrome

Although Munchausen Syndrome may seem like a very peculiar and interesting disorder, it can be very serious to the individual as well as their circle of family and friends. Another related disorder, Munchausen by Proxy, has been observed in individuals who have children and intentionally poison them or make them ill in other ways for attention. Unfortunately, the illness receives little attention because it may only affect a small percentage of the population. Much is unknown about both disorders but hopefully research will find the much needed answers required to help people suffering from Munchausen and Munchausen by Proxy.

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