Factitious Disorders and Factitious Disorder by Proxy covers the
disorders formerly known as Munchausen Syndrome. By definition,
factitious disorders are a condition in which symptoms are
feigned or created by the patient. This might manifest in by
someone complaining about a pain that doesn’t exist, or it might
result in the client drinking a pint of Drain-o to get sick.
Generally speaking, the goal or objective is to assume the “sick
role,” and subsequently obtain the benefits that are generally
imbued on them as a result. Do kids start lying as early as age
2? It would appear that they learn to lie about the same time
they learn how to talk. “As children, many of these patients
experienced rejection, mistreatment, and parental loss. For
them, the hospital provides a haven or refuge.” (Netherton,
Holmes, & Walker, 1999, p. 305-306) I have trouble identifying
with this… you couldn’t pay me to go to a hospital; I avoid them
like I avoid the plague. I don’t know if most “normal” people
feel like that, but it’s