Munchausen syndrome, which is part of the fictitious disorders, that is, a psychiatric disorder in which the subject intentionally pretends or reproduces the symptoms of a physical illness or psychological trauma. Although sufferers may simulate psychological discomfort, more often they exhibit physical symptoms. It is not easy to understand the Munchausen syndrome as the task of analyzing and tracing the actual cause of the problems poses numerous doubts and difficulties, often even doctors do not know how to give themselves any explanation of the symptoms or behaviors.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Understanding the Competing Factors
Step 1. Learn about the subjects it can affect
Both men and women can suffer from Munchausen syndrome. Typically, it affects adults. Among the female population, subjects may come from the health sector, for example they are nurses or laboratory technicians. Usually, women with Munchausen syndrome are between the ages of 20 and 40. On the other hand, men are on average single, aged between 30 and 50.
Step 2. Recognize the cause
Often, sufferers of this disorder seek attention by pretending to have some disease. He assumes the "sick role" to be assisted by others. At the root of Munchausen syndrome is the desire to get people's attention.
The reason for such a fiction does not lie in any practical benefit (such as being absent from school or work)
Step 3. Note identity or self-esteem issues
People who exhibit symptoms of Munchausen syndrome tend to have low self-esteem and / or identity problems. Their personal or family history could be complicated or rambling. Probably, they have family or relationship problems and even low self-esteem or difficulty developing a personal identity.
Step 4. Identify links with other disorders
Symptoms of Munchausen syndrome can arise from or coexist within a relationship with a person with Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This variant can occur when a parent voluntarily makes a child sick, who can develop Munchausen syndrome proper if he gets to actively assume the "sick role". Some psychological disorders may be associated with Munchausen syndrome, such as those of borderline or antisocial personality.
- There appears to be a relationship between Munchausen syndrome and abuse, neglect or other mistreatment.
- Instead, there is no direct relationship with some disorders.
Part 2 of 4: Identifying Behavior Patterns
Step 1. Identify the most common behaviors
People with Munchausen syndrome can alter blood or urine samples, inflict injuries, or otherwise deceive doctors about their illness. The subject may also have a rich history of clinical history with completely inconsistent information.
The most common physical ailments include stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty breathing and fainting
Step 2. Learn if the person goes to great lengths to get sick
He can purposely try to infect a wound, go to crowded places to run the risk of catching a cold, a virus, increase the chances of getting an infection. Among other behaviors, he may deliberately eat or drink from containers used by sick people.
The basic purpose of these behaviors is to get sick so that you can receive medical care and assistance
Step 3. Notice if you have symptoms that are difficult to detect
People may complain of persistent problems that are difficult to assess, such as chronic diarrhea or stomach pain. When performing a laboratory test or undergoing a medical examination, no symptoms are detected.
Other symptoms that are difficult to ascertain include chest pains, difficulty breathing, and feeling faint or lightheaded
Step 4. Look for times when symptoms appear
The subject may report his discomfort only in the presence of other people, not when he is alone or when there is no one around. It can manifest symptoms even if it is only observed, within a medical setting, with family or friends.
Ask him when the symptoms occur. Does your physical condition deteriorate when you are with friends and family? Treatments seem to be going well until some relatives show up? Also, are you reluctant to involve the family in the treatment of your condition?
Step 5. Observe his desire to undergo clinical tests and tests
People with Munchausen syndrome may seem overly anxious to undergo medical tests, procedures, or clinical interventions. He may also request some tests or insist on seeing him for particular ailments or illnesses.
He may seem happy or content when a doctor advises him to have tests or some treatments. Keep in mind that people who are really sick feel relieved to get help, but because they want to get better, not because they enjoy being sick
Step 6. Notice how comfortable you feel in a medical setting
People with Munchausen syndrome may have a thorough understanding of therapies, disorders, medical terminology and disease descriptions. It can give the impression of being comfortable in a healthcare facility and even content with receiving medical attention.
Part 3 of 4: Observe Behavior Following Treatment or Exam
Step 1. See if you are looking for help from different sources
If you receive a negative result at a clinical facility, you may travel elsewhere to get a positive response or consult several medical centers in order to have a diagnosis confirmed multiple times. Generally, the behavioral pattern is to attest to the presence of a disease.
Step 2. Find out if doubts about some medical professionals lead him to turn to those who have already treated him
Often those with Munchausen syndrome have collected a long series of health problems, but may show some hesitation in front of a medical team and re-contact those who have already treated them. He probably fears that the truth will come out or that some suspicion will arise. For this reason, he may deny having been treated in the past or refuse to share certain medical information.
At the hospital, you may be hesitant to call family or friends to confirm your symptoms or medical history
Step 3. See if the problems get worse after treatment
If you are undergoing treatment but your symptoms tend to get worse, this behavior may indicate Munchausen syndrome. He may return to the health facility from which he was discharged and say that his condition has inexplicably worsened. It is probable that no clinical cause exists behind his symptoms.
It is possible that after the treatment other symptoms appear spontaneously that do not seem to have any relation to the malaise for which it was treated
Step 4. Notice if new problems arise when the tests are negative
If a person with Munchausen syndrome undergoes negative laboratory tests, they may suddenly develop various symptoms or make those already present worse. The person can request further tests, do more in-depth tests or choose to carry them out at another analysis laboratory.
Symptoms that arise after a negative test may be unexplained or unrelated to the discomfort for which you underwent the first tests
Part 4 of 4: Distinguishing Munchausen Syndrome from Other Disorders
Step 1. Rule out depression
Depressive symptoms include unexplained aches and pains or physical discomfort, but also headaches, back pain and stomach pain. If this symptomatology is not related to a physical health problem, it could be caused by depression.
- Although the symptoms are not medically explainable, it is important to investigate the factors behind the pain or discomfort. These could be depressive manifestations that involve moodiness, decreased energy, altered appetite or sleep and difficulty concentrating. If the person appears to behave in this way to attract attention, it is likely that they have Munchausen syndrome.
- For more information on depression, read the article How to Tell if You Are Depressed.
Step 2. Analyze Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Symptoms
It can lead to manifestations of unexplained symptoms that are not related to a health problem - for example, convincing yourself that you are about to die, have a heart attack, or another serious ailment. The subject may be obsessed with the idea of being sick and in need of treatment, and will then try to have diagnostic tests and treatments prescribed. Obsessions can also be characterized by a compulsive component that is expressed through continuous washing or showers (as real rituals), frequent diagnostic tests or recurring prayers.
- Those who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder really want to eliminate the perception of having a physical discomfort, since it is a source of great stress. Like patients with Munchausen syndrome, he may be adamant that he has a disease or disorder, and feel frustrated when doctors don't take his symptoms seriously. However, unlike people who are diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome, he wants to defeat the disease he feels affected by, but does not perceive any encouragement from the therapies he undergoes.
- For more information on OCD, see How to Know if You Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Step 3. Deal with anxiety
Some symptoms of anxiety can manifest themselves physically, such as breathlessness or wheezing, stomach pain, lightheadedness, muscle tension, headache, sweating, shaking or twitching, frequent urination. Although they indicate anxiety, they can be confused with a health problem. Anxiety sufferers can take a pessimistic view and imagine the worst consequences in various situations. He perceives what could be a minor malaise (or even no health problem) as a medical emergency that generates great tension, worry and discomfort. He feels dejected when doctors don't take his symptoms seriously, so he can't help but request further tests or see another doctor.
- An anxious person feels discomfort and difficulty in the face of these symptoms, because unlike someone with Munchausen syndrome, they would like them to disappear, not to last.
- For more information on anxiety, read How to Stop Anxiety and How to Cope with Panic Attacks.
Step 4. Consider the possibility of hypochondria, also known as illness anxiety disorder
It is a fundamentally fear-based disorder that leads a person to seek medical attention for imaginary or minor symptoms because they fear that they are seriously ill. Symptoms that cause concern usually vary from day to day or week to week. It is a disorder characterized by the terror of disease, not by the fact of finding pleasure in feeling sick, so those who suffer from it want to overcome their discomfort.
Step 5. Consult a mental health professional
If the diagnosis is unclear, it is best to consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, or psychoanalyst. They will be able to diagnose and treat Munchausen syndrome, but also rule it out and / or help you treat other ailments, such as anxiety and depression.
