Solochin C, Busch D, Erfurt-Berge C (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Book Volume: 2026
Factitious disorders describe the faking or inducing of physical or psychological symptoms in secret. The focus can often be on the need to take on the role of the sick person and the associated attention. Comorbidities with other mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder or addiction are common. In addition, information about the medical history is often contradictory and the emotional attitude towards the course of the illness is often conspicuously indifferent. There are numerous types of self-harming behavior, such as inventing symptoms, manipulating medical devices, falsifying bodily secretions or inflicting wounds. The causes of factitious disorders are usually suspected to be early childhood, often traumatic experiences such as severe abuse or emotional neglect. Diagnosis is often difficult, as factitious disorders are rarely diagnosed at the first contact with a doctor. However, this possibility should also be considered in the case of unclear or unusually shaped wounds. The development of a stable and trusting relationship is paramount when a factitious disorder is suspected. An interdisciplinary approach can be helpful here. The aim is to gradually motivate those affected to undergo inpatient psychotherapeutic treatment. In the long term, comprehensive psychotherapy is required to stabilize the symptoms. Factitious disorders are usually chronic. Only a few sufferers engage in therapy, and even when treatment is started, relapses often occur.
APA:
Solochin, C., Busch, D., & Erfurt-Berge, C. (2026). Factitious disorders – challenge for diagnostics and therapy Artifizielle Störungen – Herausforderung für Diagnostik und Therapie. Chirurgische Praxis, 2026.
MLA:
Solochin, Corinna, Dorothee Busch, and Cornelia Erfurt-Berge. "Factitious disorders – challenge for diagnostics and therapy Artifizielle Störungen – Herausforderung für Diagnostik und Therapie." Chirurgische Praxis 2026 (2026).
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