This article presents 3 cases that highlight one of the factitious disorders named Munchausen Syndrome (MS). It is defined as intentional simulation or self-induction of disease symptoms to gain attention of others and to be perceived as an ill person. Early recognition of factitious disorders is a challenge for non-psychiatrists, as its clinical symptoms vary significantly among patients. In this paper we present three women with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, who were eventually diagnosed with MS. Our aims were to share the diagnostic clues that can suggest the presence of a factitious disorder, to highlight the analysis of patient’s medical history and to suggest the potential the ethical dilemmas involved in caring for such patients.
This article presents 3 cases that highlight one of the factitious disorders named Munchausen Syndrome (MS). It is defined as intentional simulation or self-induction of disease symptoms to gain attention of others and to be perceived as an ill person. Early recognition of factitious disorders is a challenge for non-psychiatrists, as its clinical symptoms vary significantly among patients. In this paper we present three women with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, who were eventually diagnosed with MS. Our aims were to share the diagnostic clues that can suggest the presence of a factitious disorder, to highlight the analysis of patient’s medical history and to suggest the potential the ethical dilemmas involved in caring for such patients.
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