Factitious disease: a challenge to several specialities

Abstract

In factitious disease there is an intentional production of symptoms by the patient, with the intent of being sick in front of others. It is a disease with serious clinical implications and these patients represent a enormous waste of money to public health. The case of DLK exemplifies it. The complaints of the patient began with delusions and visual hallucinations. She developed abdominal pains, urinary retention, weakness and psychotic symptoms of difficult management. She had gone to several hospitals, submitted to many exams and a laparoscopy, all with frustrating results. There was a progressive and important improvement by the establishment of a positive relation with the patient and reduction of her medications. Early crecognition of this disease is fundamental, diminishing the morbidity of this disease and the practice of iatrogenic measures demanded by these patients.