A professional has evidence that a patient has intentionally faked her illness. To determine whether the patient is malingering or experiencing a factitious disorder, what must be examined?
A) The method the patient used to make herself ill
B) The motivation the patient has for assuming the sick role
C) Who else, if anyone, the patient is making ill
D) The severity of the symptoms the patient has experienced

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The key difference between malingering and factitious disorder lies in the motivation behind the behavior. Malingering involves faking illness for external rewards (e.g., financial gain, avoiding work), while factitious disorder is driven by an internal need to be seen as ill without external incentives.

A Professional Has Evidence That a Patient Has Intentionally Faked