Based on the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000, it is called FACTITIOUS DISORDER
... motivated by a psychological need to assume the sick role ... the person is not usually aware of the motivation ... may present with subjective complaints (e.g., pain), falsification of objective signs (e.g., manipulation of thermometer), self-inflicted conditions (e.g., injecting saliva into skin), exaggeration or exacerbation of preexisting medical condition (e.g., fake seizure). There are two basic types:
300.16 With Predominantly Psychological Signs and Symptoms
300.19 With Predominantly Physical Signs and Symptoms
predisposing factors:
... childhood mental or physical disorders that result in extensive attention and treatment.
... family disruption
... emotional or physical abuse
... a grudge against mental health or medical
... employment in a mental health or medically related position
... presence of a severe Personality Disorder, most often Borderline Personality Disorder.
more common in females than in males
Munchausen's syndrome more frequent in males than in females
prevalence is unknown
... around 1% of those on whom mental health professionals consult
... appears to be higher in specialized treatment settings.
onset is generally in early adulthood, often after hospitalization
Russell
