There are four main types of factitious disorders, including:
Factitious disorder with mostly psychological symptoms: As
the description implies, people with this disorder mimic behavior that is
typical of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia. They may appear
confused, make absurd statements and report hallucinations, the experience of
sensing things that are not there; for example, hearing voices. Ganser syndrome, sometimes called
prison psychosis, is a factitious disorder that was first observed in
prisoners. People with Ganser syndrome have short-term episodes of bizarre
behavior similar to that shown by people with serious mental illnesses.
Factitious disorder with mostly physical symptoms: People
with this disorder claim to have symptoms related to a physical illness, such
as symptoms of chest pain, stomach problems or fever. This disorder is
sometimes referred to as Munchausen
syndrome, named for Baron von Munchausen, an 18th century German officer
who was known for embellishing the stories of his life and experiences.
Factitious disorder with both psychological and physical symptoms: People with this disorder produce symptoms of both physical
and mental illness.
Factitious disorder not otherwise specified: This type
includes a disorder called factitious disorder by proxy (also called Munchausen syndrome by proxy). People
with this disorder produce or fabricate symptoms of illness in another person
under their care. It most often occurs in mothers (although it can occur in
fathers) who intentionally harm their children in order to receive
attention.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to communicate and pay attention. Symptoms of psychosis appear in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to early 30s. With treatment involving the use of antipsychotic medications and psychosocial treatment, schizophrenia patients can lead rewarding and meaningful lives.
Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, and 10 million to 20 million attempt suicide annually.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that features schizophrenia and a mood disorder, either major depression or bipolar disorder. Symptoms include agitation, suicidal thoughts, little need for sleep, delusions, hallucinations, and poor motivation. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication, skills training, or hospitalization.
Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include anger, social withdrawal, vocal outbursts, fatigue, physical complaints, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.
Mental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influence the way a person thinks, feels, behaves, and/or relates to others. Mental illness is caused by heredity, biology, psychological trauma and environmental stressors.
About 5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. suffer from a serious mental illness such as eating disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, pervasive development disorders, elimination disorders, learning disorders, schizophrenia, tic disorders, and mood disorders. Symptoms of mental illness include frequent outbursts of anger, hyperactivity, fear of gaining weight, excessive worrying, frequent temper tantrums, and hearing voices that aren't there. Treatment may involve medication, psychotherapy, and creative therapies.
Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental illness (factitious disorder) in which a caregiver secretly abuses a child by faking symptoms in the child. Symptoms present in the child include suffocation, bleeding, poisoning, and induced seizures. Treatment involves maintaining the safety of the child and typically incorporates psychotherapy and psychiatric medications for both the perpetrator and victim.
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