Munchausen syndrome - specialists and information

People affected by Munchausen syndrome (also known as artificial disorder ) artificially provoke physical and/or psychological symptoms of illness- sometimes through self-injurious behavior - or make them appear worse than they are. In this way, they aim to obtain medical treatment or even surgery after being admitted to hospital. The purpose of this is to attract attention and pity from their own social circle, but also from doctors, and to feel that they are being treated. This mental disorder was named after the "lying baron" Münchhausen, who is known for his bold, made-up stories.

Below you will find further information and selected specialists for Munchausen syndrome.

Characteristics and symptoms of Munchausen syndrome

One problem is recognizing this mental disorder, as those affected do not feel impaired. They change doctors or hospitals as soon as a mental disorder is suspected.

Secondly, they put themselves in danger by resorting to self-harming measures to cause certain symptoms, including poisoning or chemical burns. Furthermore, there is a realistic chance that these patients will actually undergo surgery - unnecessarily - and suffer damage to their health as a result.

Munchausensyndrome is a severe behavioral disorder in which sufferers fake or deliberately induce symptoms of illness @ Yakobchuk Olena /AdobeStock

Artificial disorders can occur in any medical specialty with a wide range of symptoms. In Munchausen syndrome, the following symptoms often occur:

• Unexplained fever
• Unclear anemic conditions
• Unclear hyperglycemic states
• Recurrent wound healing disorders and abscesses
• Recurrent unclear urinary tract infections and much more.

In the case of multiple invasive measures, unclear recurrent symptoms, repeated wound healing disorders and abscesses, an artificial disorder should always be considered. It is also important to take a history from others, whereby family members are often involved in the denial of self-harm.

Classification of the artificial disorder

According to ICD-10, the artificial disorder is assigned to personality and behavioral disorders and classified under F 68.1. There is often comorbidity with personality disorders, dissociative disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse. Severe somatization disorders can also occur.

Munchausensyndrome is a rare disorder @ Halfpoint /AdobeStock

Treatment of Munchausen syndrome

A particular problem with Munchausen syndrome is the pathological doctor-patient interaction. For a long time, doctors deny the self-harm together with the patient to a certain extent and get into a complex conflict due to internalized professional ethical norms, unconscious manipulation by the patient and unconsciously motivated professional actions.

The medical treatment carried out can also have repercussions for doctors, as they become "accomplices" in self-harm and may risk legal action on this basis.

In severe cases, only psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral therapies can be considered, especially in an inpatient setting.