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Malingering
This
is not a medical or psychiatric diagnosis. It refers to willful
production of a physical or psychological symptom with the intent of
deceiving others and gaining some privileges. The difference from
factitious disorder is that here the malingerer is after material gain
or escape from punishment. Usually this occurs in forensic settings
(when some public figure is arrested!) and in prisoners. The doctor has
to examine the patient at different times to check for consistency if
the symptoms. If the symptoms are changing in an inconsistent manner it
is conclusive proof. The patient’s behavior has to be observed when he
is unaware of this. A person with limping may be found to walk normally
when alone in his room. Subjective complaint like insomnia may be
reported to get hypnotic drugs. Here also observation is important.
It is not correct to ill-treat or insult a malingerer. He has no valid reason to be in the hospital. But he may be having other difficulties. After ensuring that this is ‘genuine’ malingering, the doctor has to report this to concerned authorities. He has to be handled by appropriate social, legal or government agencies.
http://www.psychiatryforpublic.blogspot.com/
It is not correct to ill-treat or insult a malingerer. He has no valid reason to be in the hospital. But he may be having other difficulties. After ensuring that this is ‘genuine’ malingering, the doctor has to report this to concerned authorities. He has to be handled by appropriate social, legal or government agencies.
http://www.psychiatryforpublic.blogspot.com/
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