What distinguishes factitious disorder from other somatoform disorders?

What distinguishes factitious disorder from other somatoform disorders?

• A. It is faked for tangible benefits
• B. It is not faked for explicit personal gain
• C. It features true pain symptoms
• D. It is characterized by anxiety about health

Answer: (B)

Factitious disorder is characterized by the intentional production or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms, but it is specifically distinguished from other somatoform disorders by the absence of explicit personal gain. In factitious disorder, the individual may seek medical attention and undergo procedures not for external rewards or benefits, such as financial gain or avoiding legal consequences, but rather to assume the sick role or gain the psychological benefits of being treated as if they have a grave illness. This is a crucial distinction because, unlike other somatoform disorders, where symptoms might be unconsciously produced and motivated by internal conflict or stress, the individual with factitious disorder consciously chooses to feign illness without the typical motivations associated with malingering or external incentives. Thus, the unique aspect of factitious disorder lies in the motive and lack of tangible personal gain, setting it apart from other related disorders.

Factitious disorder is characterized by the intentional production or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms, but it is specifically distinguished from other somatoform disorders by the absence of explicit personal gain. In factitious disorder, the individual may seek medical attention and undergo procedures not for external rewards or benefits, such as financial gain or avoiding legal consequences, but rather to assume the sick role or gain the psychological benefits of being treated as if they have a grave illness. This is a crucial distinction because, unlike other somatoform disorders, where symptoms might be unconsciously produced and motivated by internal conflict or stress, the individual with factitious disorder consciously chooses to feign illness without the typical motivations associated with malingering or external incentives. Thus, the unique aspect of factitious disorder lies in the motive and lack of tangible personal gain, setting it apart from other related disorders.