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The exact etiology of Factitious Disorders with physical or psychological symptoms is uncertain, but both biological and psychological factors play a role in the development of these disorders. Patients with a Factitious Disorder often present with traumatic events, particularly abuse and deprivation, along with a history of numerous hospitalizations in childhood. As adults, they lack support from relatives and/or friends. Therefore they unconsciously fake symptoms to gain admission into hospitals in order to recreate the parent-child bond they lacked in reality. From a behavioral point of view, Factitious Disorder is a coping mechanism, learned and reinforced in childhood. The following explanations are also possible: • Underlying masochistic tendencies. • A need to be the center of attention and to feel important. • A need to assume a dependent status and receive nurture. • A need to ease feelings of worthlessness or vulnerability. • A need to feel superior to authority figures, fulfilled by being able to deceive the physician. Like in other psychiatric illnesses, the pathophysiology of Factitious Disorders is not clear. Case reports of abnormalities on MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the brains of patients with chronic Factitious Disorders suggest that brain biology may play a role in some cases. In addition, some patients display abnormalities on psychological testing. Results of EEG (electroencephalogram) studies have thus far been nonspecific. Based on the history of patients with Factitious Disorder, the following projections appear as characteristics that may predispose an individual to develop a factitious illness: Presence of other mental disorders or medical conditions in childhood or adolescence • that resulted in extensive medical attention. Holding a grudge against the medical profession or having had an important relationship • with a physician in the past. Presence of a Personality Disorder, especially Borderline, Narcissistic, or Antisocial • Personality Disorder. Home | Privacy |