What Is Munchausen?
7. Are There Any Significant Medical Complications for This Psychological Disorder?
The complications associated with Munchausen are significant and severe. Patients routinely injure themselves to present with symptoms. These self-inflicted injuries can pose a substantial risk to the patients’ well-being. The fabricated symptoms also can lead to potentially invasive and risky procedures or surgeries as doctors and surgeons attempt to understand the cause of the patient’s discomfort.
Munchausen patients do not realize the severity of their condition. Underlying psychological issues may also lead to substance abuse and suicide attempts. Many patients have personality disorders or other mental illnesses such as depression, which compromise rational thinking and inhibit the understanding of consequences. While there is no way to prevent the disorder from manifesting, early intervention can have a positive impact on patients. Submitting to therapy early on can mean patients avoid more severe and potentially deadly complications.
Advertisement
