What Is Factitious Disorder?
3. What Are Common Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of factitious disorder can vary depending on the illness or injury that the individual is attempting to present. At its base, the typical symptoms of this disorder include frequent stays at hospitals, extensive knowledge of the particular diseases or injuries being presented and inconsistent and spectacular medical history. Individuals with this disorder are typically isolated from family and friends and encourage surgical procedures and risky operations whenever possible.
Self-harm and fake identities are also symptoms of this disorder. Typically, they offer exaggerated symptoms, create medical histories, or create an illness through self-harm, improper wound care or intentional poisoning. Many individuals with this disorder argue with medical staff and insist on extended stays in hospitals or extreme medical treatment options. Because of the nature of the illness, most individuals spend a great deal of time researching the particular illness they are presenting. This makes it easier for them to mimic symptoms and makes it difficult for medical professionals to spot inconsistencies in their stories.
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