F68.12

Clinical Causes: History of childhood trauma or abuse Chronic mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety Desire for attention, sympathy, or care from others Difficulty coping with stress or emotional issues Personality disorders, especially borderline or histrionic personality disorder Previous experiences with chronic illness that may influence behavior

Key Symptoms: Frequent hospital visits and medical tests without clear medical causes Falsification or induction of physical symptoms, such as bleeding, wounds, or infections Inconsistent or contradictory medical histories Willingness to undergo invasive or risky procedures Knowledge of medical terminology and body functioning Reluctance to accept that symptoms might be self-inflicted or fabricated Absence of external incentives, such as financial gain or avoiding legal responsibilities Physical signs that suggest self-infliction, like bruises or scars not aligned with reported causes

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves careful evaluation of medical history, physical examinations, and ruling out genuine medical conditions. Healthcare providers look for patterns such as recurrent hospitalizations without a clear diagnosis, inconsistency between reported symptoms and clinical findings, and evidence of self-inflicted injuries. Psychological assessment is often necessary to identify underlying mental health issues and motivations. Medical records and reports from multiple healthcare providers can assist in confirming the diagnosis, given the deceptive nature of the disorder.

Treatment Protocols: Treating factitious disorder imposed on self can be challenging due to the individual's denial or lack of insight into their condition. Approaches include: - Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other modalities to address underlying emotional or psychological issues. - Building a trusting doctor-patient relationship to discourage harmful deceptive behaviors. - Psychiatric medication may be used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. - Coordination among healthcare team members to prevent unnecessary procedures and to manage the individual's care holistically. - Providing support and education to the patient to understand the impacts of their behaviors and the importance of mental health care.