Case of Atypical Munchausen Syndrome

Activity: Talk or presentation types › Poster presentation

Description

Munchausen syndrome is the most dramatic and exasperating form of factitious disorders. Criteria: 1. Falsification of psychological or physical signs or symptoms, induction of disease or injury associated with identified deception.; 2. The individual presents to others as injured, ill, or impaired.; 3. The deceptive behaviour is apparent even in the absence of external incentives.; 4. The behaviour is not better explained by another mental disorder. This case report will show how the Munchausen syndrome can present and how we can avoid overlooking such cases. This patient is currently being treated under direct psychiatrists’ surveillance.. In this case study we document an interesting encounter with a young female patient, who presented in hospital with severe anaemia. The patient underwent a long path from hospital to hospital with different diagnoses and treatment strategies until she saw a psychiatrist and was diagnosed and treated as Munchausen syndrome. This case report will show how the Munchausen syndrome can present and how we can avoid overlooking such cases. The patient presented with symptoms of severe anaemia.  It was learned that the patient was admitted to another hospital with similar complaints previously. She was examined in haematology department.   Laboratory tests were performed, and they showed an interesting finding of remarkably high INR of 7. . The patient finally revealed that she is using blood thinners such as warfarin and by preforming cuts on her thighs causing leakage of large amounts of blood, that leads to loss of consciousness. After exhaustive evaluation and based on the psychiatrist’s evaluation of the patient, we approved the diagnosis of a factitious disorder. .  Munchausen's syndrome often begins in early adulthood or adolescence and may begin after a hospitalization or medical illness. These patients understand medical terminology very well and usually are fully aware of the damage they are inflicting on themselves.
Period29 Mar 2023
Event titleRSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event typeConference
OrganiserRīga Stradiņš University
LocationRiga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

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