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Munchausen syndrome is a psychiatric disorder in which those affected fake disease, illness, or psychological trauma in order to draw attention or sympathy to themselves. It is in a class of disorders known as factitious disorders which involve "illnesses" whose symptoms are either self-induced or falsified by the patient. It is also sometimes known as hospital addiction syndrome. In Munchausen syndrome, the affected person exaggerates or creates symptoms of illnesses in themselves in order to gain investigation, treatment, attention, sympathy, and comfort from medical personnel. In some extremes, people suffering from Munchausen's Syndrome are highly knowledgeable about the practice of medicine, and are able to produce symptoms that result in multiple unnecessary operations. For example, they may inject a vein with infected material, causing widespread infection of unknown origin, and as a result cause lengthy and costly medical analyses and prolonged hospital stay. The role of "patient" is a familiar and comforting one, and it fills a psychological need in people with Munchausen's. It is distinct from hypochondria in that patients with Munchausen syndrome are aware that they are exaggerating, while sufferers of hypochondria actually believe they have a disease. In many cases, a similar behavior called Munchausen syndrome by proxy has been documented in the parent or guardian of a child. The adult ensures that his or her child will experience some medical affliction, therefore compelling the child to suffer treatment for a significant portion of their youth in hospitals. Furthermore, a disease may actually be initiated in the child by the parent or guardian. Regardless of the mental health of the adult, this is a serious form of child abuse. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is considered distinct from Munchausen syndrome, see Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

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What is the term for a mother who deliberately makes her child ill so that the mother can feel needed?

Munchausen syndrome/Munchausen by proxy Munchausen syndrome/Munchausen by proxy


Is Munchausen syndrome a mental illness?

Munchausen Syndrome is not recognized in the DSM-IV. It is a problem but is not recognized as a diagnosable mental illness.


Is there a syndrome for someone who fakes numerous pregnancies?

Munchausen's Syndrome


How can Munchausen syndrome by prevented?

Because the cause of Munchausen syndrome is unknown, formulating a prevention strategy is difficult. Some medical facilities and healthcare practitioners have attempted to limit hospital admissions for Munchausen patients by sharing medical records.


What is pretending to be ill to gain sympathy called?

Munchausen syndrome


What are some symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome?

Munchausen Syndrome refers to faking or producing illness or injury in order to meet other emotional needs. In other words, this is a form of deception in order to get the desired result. Inventing medical problems like heart ailment in order to get sympathy is one of the most common signs of Munchausen Syndrome.


What are treatments for munchausen syndrome?

Treatment for Munchausen syndrome typically involves therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to address the underlying psychological factors driving the behavior. In some cases, medications may be used to treat any co-occurring mental health conditions. Building a trusting patient-therapist relationship is crucial in helping individuals with Munchausen syndrome to overcome their need for fabricated illnesses.


Do I have Munchausen Syndrome - I think I have Social Anxiety Disorder -Binge Eating Disorder - Mood Disorders and depression Or do I have Munchausen Syndrome and all these symptoms are in my head?

There is not enough information to answer the question. You should see a doctor.


What is the scientific name for Munchausen syndrome?

The scientific name for Munchausen syndrome is Factitious disorder imposed on self. It is a mental health condition where a person feigns or exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms in order to gain attention or sympathy.


Where does this name come from Münchausen syndrome by proxy?

it comes from a man who was very untruthfull munchausen


How is Munchausen syndrome diagnosed?

Because Munchausen sufferers often go from doctor to doctor, gaining admission into many hospitals along the way, diagnosis can be difficult. They are typically detected rather than diagnosed.


What is a cultural healing practice that may be confused with child abuse a.Shaken Baby Syndrome b. Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome c. Immersion D. Moxibustion?

moxibustion