CRACKCast E114 - Factitious Disorders and Malingering

Two categories of psychiatric illness are covered in this episode

Factitious Disorder
Malingering

Individuals suffering from factitious disorders fabricate symptoms of illness to fulfill the sick role (primary gain)

Individuals suffering from malingering fabricate symptoms of illness to obtain something (secondary gain)

Despite the fact that we may suspect either factitious disorder or malingering, we must strive to objectively assess the patient for concrete evidence of disease

If no objective evidence of disease exists in a patient, do not investigate with needless and/or harmful diagnostic modalities

Refer back to their primary care physician

If you are suspecting factitious disorder by proxy, the safety of your patient should always be your first priority