Factitious Disorder: Why People Fake Serious Illness

Max points: 5 Type: Mental Disorder Explainer

This video explores factitious disorder, also known as Munchausen syndrome, where people fake illness without clear external gain. It explains symptoms, risks, and psychological motivations, while highlighting challenges in diagnosis and treatment. An insightful look into a complex mental health condition often misunderstood in pop culture and medicine.

Channel: SciShow Psych Duration: 0:04:55

Questions

1. What is the variant of factitious disorder where symptoms are faked in another person?

Conversion disorder Secondary malingering Factitious disorder imposed on another Proxy illness syndrome

2. What historical figure is factitious disorder often associated with in pop culture?

Baron Munchausen Carl Jung Dr. House Sigmund Freud

3. What is the main difference between malingering and factitious disorder?

Malingering only occurs in children, factitious disorder only in adults Malingering is done for clear external gain, factitious disorder is not Malingering always involves physical harm, factitious disorder never does Malingering is unconscious, factitious disorder is conscious

4. According to the content, what is the main psychological goal of people with factitious disorder?

Avoiding work or school Financial compensation Access to free medical treatment Assuming a 'sick role' to receive care and attention

5. What percentage of people with factitious disorder typically admit to faking their symptoms when confronted?

5–10% 30–40% 50–60% 15–20%

Confirm Submission

Are you sure? After submitting, you won’t be able to attempt this content again for 24 hours.

| | |

| | Blog |