Which individual would be MOST likely to receive a diagnosis of factitious disorder?
A) Someone who engages in cutting and tries to hide it from everyone
B) Someone who breaks a leg while skiing but tells friends and family that the injury occurred in a car accident
C) Someone who purposefully drinks gasoline and then seeks treatment for an unknown stomach ailment
D) Someone who has chronic nausea and vomiting due to high stress but denies that as a possible cause

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or exaggerating symptoms of illness in oneself to assume the sick role and to receive medical attention, without external incentives for such behavior. Choice C, someone who purposefully ingests a harmful substance to then seek treatment for an unknown ailment, fits this description. Choices A, B, and D involve hiding self-harm, lying about the cause of an injury, and denial of stress as a cause of symptoms, respectively, which do not align with the criteria for factitious disorder.

Which Individual Would Be MOST Likely to Receive a Diagnosis