Savvy Psychologist Deception and illness: Factitious disorder versus malingering
Oct 22, 2025
Delve into the intriguing world of deceptive illness behaviors. Discover the stark differences between factitious disorder and malingering, alongside their motivations. Explore the profound impact of social media on illness performance and the modern pursuit of attention as a driving force behind deception. Learn about the serious medical and social consequences of these behaviors and how trauma and unmet emotional needs can shape them. Therapeutic approaches like CBT and DBT offer paths toward authenticity and healing.
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When Illness Becomes A Psychological Reward
- Factitious disorder involves intentionally faking or inducing illness for internal psychological reward.
- The behavior can include dramatic stories, medical knowledge, or self-harm to create symptoms.
When Caregivers Manufacture Illness
- Factitious disorder imposed on another involves caregivers making someone else sick.
- Monica Johnson references high-profile cases like Gypsy Rose to illustrate FDIA's harm.
Malingering Is Goal-Oriented Behavior
- Malingering is a behavior, not a psychiatric disorder, driven by external rewards.
- Examples include faking symptoms to get drugs, accommodations, or extended leave.