Factitious disorder (Munchausen's syndrome) in oncology: Case report and literature review Journal Article


Authors: Baig, M. R.; Levin, T. T.; Lichtenthal, W. G.; Boland, P. J.; Breitbart, W. S.
Article Title: Factitious disorder (Munchausen's syndrome) in oncology: Case report and literature review
Abstract: Background: Factitious disorder is where patients repeatedly seek medical care for feigned illnesses in the absence of obvious external rewards; ‘Munchausen's syndrome’ is the historical name for this disorder. Method: We report on a case that was presented to a tertiary oncology center as a suspected rare bone cancer. Results and Conclusions: Psychosocial clinicians working in oncology settings should be aware of the complexities of diagnosing factitious disorder in cancer settings where empathy is prominent and suspicion unusual. Moreover, comorbidity can cloud the diagnosis (in this case substance abuse), and, even when accurately diagnosed, there are no evidence-based management approaches to offer to the patient. What seems to linger most after the patient is discharged, usually in a huff, are strong counter-transference feelings and substantial medical bills. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords: psycho-oncology; management; cancer; factitious disorder; munchausen's syndrome
Journal Title: Psycho-Oncology
Volume: 25
Issue: 6
ISSN: 1057-9249
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons  
Date Published: 2016-06-01
Start Page: 707
End Page: 711
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/pon.3906
PUBMED: 26179957
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC5481998
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 2 November 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. William S Breitbart
    505 Breitbart
  2. Patrick J Boland
    160 Boland
  3. Tomer T Levin
    62 Levin
  4. Muhammad Rais Baig
    1 Baig