Which disorder involves acting as if one has a physical or mental illness when not really sick, with visible symptoms that are self-inflicted and a motive to receive attention and sympathy?

Which disorder involves acting as if one has a physical or mental illness when not really sick, with visible symptoms that are self-inflicted and a motive to receive attention and sympathy?

• A. Facitious disorder
• B. Malingering
• C. Somatization disorder
• D. Illness anxiety disorder

Answer: (A)

Factitious disorder involves intentionally feigning or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role and to receive attention and care. In this scenario, the person presents as ill, with visible symptoms that are self-inflicted, and the primary motive is to gain attention and sympathy, which squarely fits this pattern. This differs from malingering, where there’s a clear external payoff (like money or avoiding duties), and from somatic symptom or illness anxiety disorders, where symptoms aren’t purposely produced and the focus is on distress about health rather than seeking care. Historically it’s also been called Munchausen syndrome.

Factitious disorder involves intentionally feigning or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role and to receive attention and care. In this scenario, the person presents as ill, with visible symptoms that are self-inflicted, and the primary motive is to gain attention and sympathy, which squarely fits this pattern. This differs from malingering, where there’s a clear external payoff (like money or avoiding duties), and from somatic symptom or illness anxiety disorders, where symptoms aren’t purposely produced and the focus is on distress about health rather than seeking care. Historically it’s also been called Munchausen syndrome.