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Munchausen syndrome is a mental disorder that belongs to the factitious group of disorders. These are disorders that are self-inflicted. They can be either psychological or physical. In the entire spectrum of the disorders, this syndrome represents the most severe form. The treatment for Munchausen syndrome is quite difficult because of the difficulty in making the diagnosis. The main aim for medical intervention is to help prevent serious injuries.
Even as you try and look for the treatment for the condition, you need to clearly understand it. The most striking symptom is that patients make up factitious symptoms, they may rig lab results and insist on undergoing dangerous medical procedures. These are all aimed at getting sympathy or concern from other people. At times, there is some financial gain in the offing. Due to the constant manipulation by the patients, healthcare providers often end up being very frustrated.
Once the condition has been suspected the affected individual should be referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will help in confirming the presumptive diagnosis and making plans on the possible ways of managing the case. The method chosen for management aims at reducing the risk of getting injuries and undergoing unnecessary medical procedures. Any situations that are likely to lead to confrontation with the patient should be avoided. Management methods must be creative and flexible as well.
Because of the huge challenges involved in making the diagnosis, the outcome of both the doctor and the patient is often quite poor. This prognosis may be improved by ensuring that the care provided is consistent and specialised. Frequently, there is need to use medical records or to get information from friends and close relatives. Accusing the individual directly is likely to make the patient angry or defensive which is counterproductive.
There are a number of risk factors that have been identified as predisposing to the syndrome. One of these risks us childhood trauma. This trauma may be either physical or emotional. Some illnesses suffered in childhood that resulted in sympathy and care may make the affected individual very vulnerable. Other risk factors include loss of a loved one, poor sense of self-esteem and personality disorders among others.
Failure to treat the condition in a timely manner is likely to cause a number of complications. The many injuries that have been self-inflicted may cause death. Since these individuals undergo many medical procedures and take numerous medications, the risk of having reactions is massively increased. This may lead to deterioration in the general health status. Incidences of substance abuse and suicide ideation are not uncommon.
It is not very clear as to how many people are affected by this condition. This is mainly attributable to the fact that it is a very difficult diagnosis to make. The other major challenge in collection of statistics is the fact that affected individuals look for treatment in many different facilities. However, experts, say that it is very rare. The ration of affected males to females is 2:1. Although it may occur in children a majority are adults.
Treatment for munchausen syndrome is possible if there is close coordination among different disciplines. Psychiatrists need to work very closely with psychiatrists and other counsellors. The role of strong family support cannot be overemphasized. The focus should be on identifying the underlying cause.
Even as you try and look for the treatment for the condition, you need to clearly understand it. The most striking symptom is that patients make up factitious symptoms, they may rig lab results and insist on undergoing dangerous medical procedures. These are all aimed at getting sympathy or concern from other people. At times, there is some financial gain in the offing. Due to the constant manipulation by the patients, healthcare providers often end up being very frustrated.
Once the condition has been suspected the affected individual should be referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will help in confirming the presumptive diagnosis and making plans on the possible ways of managing the case. The method chosen for management aims at reducing the risk of getting injuries and undergoing unnecessary medical procedures. Any situations that are likely to lead to confrontation with the patient should be avoided. Management methods must be creative and flexible as well.
Because of the huge challenges involved in making the diagnosis, the outcome of both the doctor and the patient is often quite poor. This prognosis may be improved by ensuring that the care provided is consistent and specialised. Frequently, there is need to use medical records or to get information from friends and close relatives. Accusing the individual directly is likely to make the patient angry or defensive which is counterproductive.
There are a number of risk factors that have been identified as predisposing to the syndrome. One of these risks us childhood trauma. This trauma may be either physical or emotional. Some illnesses suffered in childhood that resulted in sympathy and care may make the affected individual very vulnerable. Other risk factors include loss of a loved one, poor sense of self-esteem and personality disorders among others.
Failure to treat the condition in a timely manner is likely to cause a number of complications. The many injuries that have been self-inflicted may cause death. Since these individuals undergo many medical procedures and take numerous medications, the risk of having reactions is massively increased. This may lead to deterioration in the general health status. Incidences of substance abuse and suicide ideation are not uncommon.
It is not very clear as to how many people are affected by this condition. This is mainly attributable to the fact that it is a very difficult diagnosis to make. The other major challenge in collection of statistics is the fact that affected individuals look for treatment in many different facilities. However, experts, say that it is very rare. The ration of affected males to females is 2:1. Although it may occur in children a majority are adults.
Treatment for munchausen syndrome is possible if there is close coordination among different disciplines. Psychiatrists need to work very closely with psychiatrists and other counsellors. The role of strong family support cannot be overemphasized. The focus should be on identifying the underlying cause.
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