Factitious Disorder Imposed On Self

Factitious disorder imposed on self is characterized by intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms to assume the sick role. Etiology involves complex psychological factors, including early trauma, personality pathology, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. Clinically, patients present with inconsistent or unusual symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and extensive medical knowledge. Diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation, collateral information, and exclusion of malingering or genuine medical illness. Management is challenging and focuses on establishing a therapeutic alliance, psychotherapy, and minimizing unnecessary medical interventions. Prognosis is variable, with chronicity common in untreated cases.