Munchausen Syndrome A Rare Mental Disorder And The Most...

Munchausen Syndrome Stephen Balka Medical Careers Institute Abstract Munchausen syndrome is a rare mental disorder and the most severe type of factitious disorder. Those afflicted with Munchausen syndrome fabricate or cause injuries and illness in order to seek attention even to the point of undergoing painful, intrusive and unneeded medical and surgical procedures. Psychotherapy is the main treatment option for Munchausen syndrome, however there are no standard therapies or medications for treatment. Medications may be utilized for other mental disorders that the patient may have in addition to Munchausen syndrome. Treatment is also given to address injuries or illness that the patient has caused upon themselves, but it is important to not conduct any procedures that are irreversible. Other types of factitious disorders have arisen from Munchausen syndrome including Munchausen syndrome by proxy in which the perpetrator fabricates or causes injuries and illness to the victim in their care, usually children, and Munchausen by Internet in which ind ividuals make false medical claims about themselves in online discussion and support groups. Munchausen syndrome is not easily diagnosable due to the elaborate nature of the individual’s story that is usually backed by a high level of medical knowledge. The prognosis for Munchausen syndrome is poor. Keywords: factitious disorder, Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen by Internet, Munchausen syndrome by proxy MunchausenShow MoreRelatedMunchausen Syndrome : A Mental Illness Essay1470 Words   |  6 Pages Munchausen syndrome, also referred to as factitious disorder, is a mental condition in which sufferers cause or pretend to have physical or psychological symptoms that are not actually occurring. Munchausen syndrome is considered to be a mental illness because it is associated with severe emotional difficulties that are present with the illness. Due to the fact that there are no reliable statistics regarding the number of people in the United States who suffer from Munchausen syndrome, it is consideredRead MoreMental Health1329 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Mental Health Essay Mental health is all about how we think, feel and behave. It refers to our cognitive, and/or our emotional wellbeing. It describes a sense of wellbeing. Mental health ‘problems’ or ‘difficulties’ are terms used to describe temporary reactions to a painful event, stress, or systems of drug or alcohol use, lack of sleep or physical illness. It can also be used to describe long-term psychiatric conditions, which may have significant effects on an individual’s functioning. Some