Munchausen Syndrome Symptoms

Individuals with Munchausen syndrome intentionally produce or exaggerate symptoms. They may lie about or fake symptoms, self-induce injury to cause symptoms, or alter the results of tests by contaminating samples such as a urine sample. Signs and symptoms of Munchausen syndrome may include the following:
 

• Dramatic medical history of serious illness, often with inconsistent details of the problem
  
  
• Symptoms that fit a diagnosis too perfectly or lack of signs that go with symptoms (for example, no sign of dehydration yet the person complains of diarrhea and vomiting)
  
  
• Symptoms that change or worsen once a treatment is begun
  
  
• History of seeking care at numerous other doctors, offices, or hospitals
  
  
• Eagerness to undergo exams, tests, and procedures
  
  
• Reluctance to let health care providers contact previous health care providers or family and friends
  
  
• Evidence of multiple surgical scars