The first goal of treatment is to modify the person's behavior and reduce
his or her misuse or overuse of medical resources. In the case of factitious
disorder by proxy, the main goal is to ensure the safety and protection of any
real or potential victims. Once the initial goal is met, treatment aims to work
out any underlying psychological issues that may be causing the person's
behavior.
The primary treatment for factitious disorders is psychotherapy (a type of counseling).
Treatment likely will focus on changing the thinking and behavior of the
individual with the disorder (cognitive-behavioral therapy). Family therapy may
also be helpful in teaching family members not to reward or reinforce the
behavior of the person with the disorder.
There are no medications to treat factitious disorders themselves.
Medication may be used, however, to treat any related disorder -- such as depression, anxiety or a personality disorder. The
use of medications must be carefully monitored in people with factitious
disorders due to the risk that the drugs may be used in a harmful way.
What Is the Outlook for People with Factitious Disorders?
People with factitious disorders are at risk for health problems (or even
death) associated with hurting themselves or otherwise causing symptoms. In
addition, they may suffer from reactions or health problems related to multiple
tests, procedures and treatments; and are at high risk for substance abuse and
attempts at suicide. A complication of factitious disorder by proxy is the
abuse and potential death of the victims.
Because many people with factitious disorders deny they are faking symptoms
and will not seek or follow treatment, recovery is dependent on a doctor or
loved one identifying or suspecting the condition in the person and encouraging
them to receive proper medical care for their disorder and stick with it.
Some people with factitious disorders suffer one or two brief episodes of
symptoms and then get better. In most cases, however, the factitious disorder
is a chronic, or long-term, condition that can be very difficult to treat.
Can Factitious Disorders Be Prevented?
There is no known way to prevent factitious disorders.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Psychiatry and Psychology.
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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