Factitious Disorder: Why People Fake Serious Illness

The video explores malingering and factitious disorder, highlighting the differences between them. Malingering involves faking illness for material gain, while factitious disorder involves faking illness without clear external motivation. The video discusses the severe consequences of factitious disorder, including unnecessary medical procedures and financial strain. It also covers the variant where symptoms are imposed on others, often children. Psychological motivations, such as the desire for attention, are explored, along with the challenges of diagnosing and treating the disorder. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with SciShow Psych.

What is the main difference between malingering and factitious disorder?

• Malingering involves self-harm, while factitious disorder does not.

• Malingering involves faking illness for sympathy, while factitious disorder does not.

• Malingering is done for clear material benefits, while factitious disorder lacks obvious external motivation.

• Malingering is a historical term, while factitious disorder is a modern term.

Why is it challenging to conduct empirical studies on factitious disorder?

• Proving fakery requires medical records, which violates confidentiality.

• There is no consensus on the definition of the disorder.

• The disorder is too rare to find enough subjects.

• Patients often refuse to participate in studies.

What is a common psychological motivation for individuals with factitious disorder?

• A goal to deceive medical professionals.

• A need for attention and care.

• A wish to avoid work responsibilities.

• A desire for financial gain.

What is a key strategy in treating factitious disorder?

• Encouraging the patient to seek psychological help without admitting fakery.

• Confronting the patient directly about their fakery.

• Performing more medical tests to confirm the disorder.

• Isolating the patient from family and friends.

What is a common clue that might indicate someone has factitious disorder?

• They refuse any medical treatment.

• They show extreme fear of symptoms.

• They frequently change doctors.

• They avoid medical procedures.