Do you know what Münchausen Syndrome is?

The Baron of Münchausen claimed to have had extraordinary experiences, such as a trip to the moon or having ridden on a cannonball during the battles in which he participated against the Turks, or having visited the inside of a whale, etc.

Münchausen syndrome is inspired by this eccentric character from the 18th century, famous for inventing fantastic adventures. This disorder is characterized by the creation or faking of fictitious illnesses to attract attention. To this end, people who suffer from it are capable of self-mutilation or injecting toxic substances to simulate illnesses and ailments.

Münchausen Syndrome: a fantastic picture

The motivation of those diagnosed with Münchausen syndrome is purely psychological. That is, fantasy is given free rein to assume the role of the sick person and thus receive attention and care. This is a distinctive feature with respect to other similar disorders that also involve the simulation of symptoms, since in other cases the person pretends to be sick to obtain an external benefit, such as collecting health insurance, avoiding military service or work, receiving financial compensation, etc.

In Münchausen syndrome, the symptoms are feigned or consistently caused and can be both physical and psychological.. Furthermore, these can appear anywhere in the body, and can be as varied and intense as the person’s imagination or medical knowledge allows.

Let’s look at some of the common symptoms:

Generalized (induced) abscesses or rashes. Bloody sputum (due to self-inflicted injuries to the nose or throat). Acute abdominal pain. Diarrhea or vomiting. Self-induced hemorrhages due to the ingestion of anticoagulants. Paralysis. Symptoms produced by the ingestion of medications or inoculation of toxic substances or viruses such as HIV.

The origin of this curious syndrome usually dates back to the occurrence of certain events in childhood, such as frequent and traumatic hospitalizations. or the existence of a significant relationship with a doctor.

The onset of this chronic syndrome commonly occurs during a first hospitalization for a real illness., whether physical or psychological. Therefore, sometimes the person may suffer from a real illness, but they exaggerate it to receive more attention for it.

In addition, The presence of an underlying personality disorder (e.g., narcissism, histrionics, etc.) is also associated with Münchausen syndrome.

Demystifying the fabulist

As the truth always comes to light, There are some clues that suggest the existence of this disorder. Let’s review what these patterns are that these types of patients usually meet:

They are quite difficult to manage and do not comply with the indicated treatments. They are manipulative and problematic with the medical staff and nurses, either due to their lack of cooperation or by questioning everything. They have an extensive history of hospitalizations and medical interventions. They have excessive knowledge about medical terms and protocols. The symptoms they present do not usually agree with known diagnostic pictures. They do not improve with treatments and worsen when they are observed.

Sadly, When hospitalization becomes a lifestyle, a deterioration occurs in the lives of these people. Which makes them incapable of having job stability or healthy and lasting emotional relationships. A sign of the latter is that the visits they receive to the hospital are few or none.

These people, without a doubt, need help to get out of this vicious self-destructive cycle. Therapy should be focused on raising awareness of the need for affection that underlies the disorder, as well as learning to satisfy their emotional needs on their own and through healthy and constructive personal relationships.

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