All There Is To Know On The Treatment For Munchausen Syndrome

By Lela Perkins


There is a psychiatric disorder where someone would pretend to be sick or have a problem so that he gains sympathy, attention or reassurance. This condition is known as Munchausen syndrome. Other terms for the disorder are hospital addiction syndrome, thick chart syndrome or hospital hopper syndrome. The disorder has physical signs and symptoms and is known to recur. Sufferers would always want to narrate their history so that they can get treatment for Munchausen syndrome.

Usually, a person suffering from this disorder would try hard to get the attention of the doctor. They would fake symptoms so that they are examined, treated and cared for by the doctor. One distinct feature about them is that they have knowledge on medicine which they will use against the doctor. Surprisingly, they would even sometimes fake some symptoms that may demand costly investigations and hospitalization for a number of days. Sometimes they can even have surgery. These people would do anything to become patients.

An individual with the ailment for instance, takes unnecessary drugs that bring symptoms that affect the body. At times he may decide to impose pain and injuries to himself; like burning or cutting himself, whereas others even pretend to be having breathing problems or pain. Treatment is available and would be helpful, although it is extremely uneasy to make the individuals suffering from it to agree that they have it. Read more on the treatment of this condition.

What causes the syndrome is unknown. However, there seems to be some risk factors associated to it. Some of these include: poor self confidence; experiencing prolonged illness during childhood and suffering from a personality disorder.

A long period of time may elapse before the condition can be detected. Treatment may be sought by those suffering from the disorder from various clinics and cities as well. If the person with the ailment has some medical knowledge, he may at times feign more symptoms when the test results are negative and even ask for more medical procedures.

In some instances, individuals create a medical issue. This may give rise to serious medical conditions. Treatment to physical problems should be given as required. In order to learn how to change their thinking ways, all those with the syndrome are required to go for counseling sessions. Self confidence and childhood problems will require to be looked at. One suitable recommendation is behavior therapy.

The disorder is also associated with anxiety, depression and personality disorder. These can be addressed well with medication. Antidepressants would eliminate these problems. The disorder also bring high rate of degeneration. The counseling sessions will really help alleviate this symptom. All medications given should be taken. All counseling sessions should be attended and follow up should be done.

The disorder brings a feeling of incompleteness. This would make the sufferer to miss out on relationships. As such, they should be encouraged to widen out and socialize. They can join clubs or other social organizations for this purpose.

Those with Munchausen's often don't have relationships and feel like their life is lacking something. Try to pursue healthy and fun lifestyle. Join a church, club or civic organization, and spend time with family. Serious complications may arise in people with the condition. Temporary admission to a psychiatric unit may be required during some treatment for Munchausen syndrome that is uncontrolled.




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