Question

Hannah's doctors are convinced that her physical symptoms are not real, but they cannot decide whether this is an instance of malingering or factitious disorder. What factor will best help them to choose between these two possibilities?A. how long her symptoms have been affecting her

B. the severity of her symptoms
C. whether she seeks or refuses medical treatment
D. whether she is achieving some specific external gain

Answer 1

Answer: D. whether she is achieving some specific external gain

Step-by-step explanation:

Factitious disorder and malingering refers to the fact that patient is deceiving the physician by mimicking or simulating the symptoms. In malingering the reason for deception is rationally understandable. For example, avoiding duty, obtaining monetary compensation, obtaining drugs and evading prosecution. In fictitious disorder the reason is non-understandable or a proof of mental disorder.

According to the given situation, the physical symptoms are not real thus the doctor must know that what will she get after creating these false symptoms under factitious disorder or malingering condition.