Münchausen's Syndrome

Medical Topic of the day:
Today's Topic:  We have explored Münchausen by proxy before but not Münchausen itself.  My friend Hanna wants to know more about this somataform disorder and how it is treated.

As an aside, I happen to know that the disorder is named after a German nobleman by the name of Baron von Münchausen whom was infamous for telling exaggerated or untrue stories to get attention at social engagements.  He once claimed to have rode a cannonball into battle.

I guess you could say he is a "total baller"

Off the top of my head:  Münchausen syndrome is a somatoform or factitious disorder in which a person pretends to have a physical symptom or illness in order to gain attention.  Münchausen can transcend the boundaries of a somatoform disorder depending on the severity.

My research today:  Münchausen syndrome is defined as a mental disorder in which someone has a deep psychological need for attention.  More so, a person with Münchausen will pretend to be sick or injured in order to garner this attention. So basically all crying babies and puppies have Munchausen.

Liars.

The DSM-III classifies Münchausen syndrome as a factitious disorder, which is not to say that the disorder is not real, that is just what it is classified as.  Factitious disorders are a classifaction of disorders in which a person fakes or fabricates an illness.  Münchausen syndrome is considered an extreme type of factitious disorder.

Münchausen syndrome blurs the line of what a somatoform disorder is as well.  First of all a somatoform disorder is not necessarily psychological in origin.  If you've ever had a sore throat and felt like there was something in your throat even though nothing was there then you have experienced a sensation called "globus."  Globus is a somatization, technically.  Second of all Münchausen syndrome can progress to the point where a person actually injures, poisons, or self mutilates to garner attention.  Münchausen is emo as hell.

Life is pain...or I have a mental disorder.  It's
definitely one or the other.

Many people with Münchausen syndrome will have some sort of basic medical background and know what questions to ask medical providers.  Some psychologists think that fooling medical professionals or people that they believe to be superior to themselves brings some sort of bizarre satisfaction to sufferer's of Münchausen.  They may also push to have rare medical testing and dangerous medical procedures performed on them which could result in death.  Many times there will be a psychological dependence on another person associated with Münchausen.

Like most factitious disorders Münchausen syndrome is very difficult to treat.  Rarely will a person present seeking help for this syndrome.  Typically the treatment is to try to change the patient's behavior through counseling and also to treat any associated disorders like depression with medication.

Unfortunately, because in most cases it is up to the person with the disorder whether or not they get treatment the prognosis is typically grim.  Most cases go untreated.  People with Müchausen have a higher risk of substance abuse or suicide.

Well, I am done for the day.  Thanks for the topic, Hannah.

Quest to 180:
Current Weight:  Not weighing myself
Activity Today:  On my bike.  30 minutes, about 7 miles.  Not too bad.
Diet today:  Good.
Comments: Back to day of normal activity.  Feels good.


The MAN:
Confidence Level:  Better
Social Engineering Tactics:  Confidence
Comments:  New mantra - but it's a secret....shh!


Random:
Listening to:  Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO and DJ Alesso
Watching:  Nothing really today.
Reading:  We are still taking a break from hating on 50 shades.  I only have so many brain cells I can burn at once.  I thinking huffing paint is healthier though.
Something fun:  Make - If you can't open it, you don't own it.

In Japan you can find a vending machine for just about anything.  Even beer and porno.

Questions or comments can be submitted to dudaday@gmail.com

Disclaimer:  I am not a health care provider, any information presented in this blog should not be considered advice it is mearly an outlet to slake my curiosity.  You should always consult your primary medical provider for any concerns or illness.  Unlike Tylenol, I am not approved by the FDA or American Medical Association to treat or provide relief for any ailment.