Which presentations suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder? Select all that apply

Question

a. Doctor shops, that is, goes from one doctor to another seeking the desired response
b. Has a history of multiple hospitalizations without findings of physical illness
c. If the desired response is not received, accuses staff of incompetence
d. Claims illness to obtain financial benefit or other external incentive
e. Has had multiple workups or even multiple exploratory surgeries
f. Presents symptom profiles that do not ring true and are easily detected

Answer 1

B, C, E
Persons with factitious disorders typically have a history of multiple hospitalizations and medical workups, with negative findings from workups. Sometimes they have even had multiple surgeries seeking the origin of the physical complaints. If they do not receive the desired response from a hospitalization, they may elope or accuse staff of incompetence. Such persons usually seek treatment through a consistent healthcare provider rather than doctor-shopping, are not motivated by financial gain or other external incentives, and present symptoms in a very detailed, plausible manner indicating considerable understanding of the disorder or presentation they are mimicking.