Work

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self: Diagnostic Challenges and Clinical Lessons

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS), historically known as Munchausen syndrome, is characterized by the falsification or induction of symptoms in the absence of external incentives. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with recurrent seizure-like and anaphylaxis-like episodes across multiple hospitalizations. Video electroencephalogram (EEG), laboratory, and imaging studies were inconclusive for both seizures and anaphylaxis. Her clinical course included recurrent unexplained presentations and repeated exposure to potentially invasive interventions despite the lack of objective diagnostic confirmation. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges of FDIS and highlights the importance of careful clinical evaluation, minimizing iatrogenic harm, and a multidisciplinary management approach.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102639

Authors: Amy Chen, Tzipora Levitt, Jonathan Shadan, Michael Akhavan, Rachel Siegel, Celeste Defillo-Lopez

Institutions: New York Institute of Technology, Queens Hospital Center, Mount Sinai Queens, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Language: English

Topic: Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7126213925