people with münchausen syndrome exaggerate or create symptoms of mental or physical illness. some people with münchausen make up detailed stories about medical problems they have had, or they may fake symptoms. however, others may harm themselves in many different ways in order to make it seem like they are sick. for example, they might take laxatives to make it seem like they have diarrhea, or take blood-thinning medications to cause bleeding. they might inject themselves with bacteria so that they get an infection. they might cut or burn themselves in order to create wounds. sometimes, after getting medical treatment, people with münchausen also do things to slow down or prevent their recovery - for example, by ripping out stitches.