Munchausen syndrome

Overview

Munchausen syndrome, now called factitious disorder, is a severe mental condition in which someone pretends to be sick for no obvious reason.

Symptoms

The person may make up symptoms or even tamper with medical tests to convince others that treatment, such as high-risk surgery, is needed.

Treatments

Talk therapy may help manage the condition.

Last Updated Jun 13, 2017


© 2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use