Barbie has complained of an unexplained illness for several years. She has had many painful and high-risk surgeries and other treatments, which she has willingly undergone. In fact, she seems to enjoy playing the "sick role." She gets extremely angry when anyone questions whether she really has an actual physical problem. These symptoms suggest that Barbie suffers from ____.
A) malingering
B) somatic symptom disorder (somatization disorder)
C) factitious disorder
D) illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Barbie's enjoyment of playing the "sick role" and willingness to undergo painful and high-risk treatments without clear medical necessity suggests she may have a factitious disorder. This condition is characterized by intentionally fabricating or inducing symptoms of illness in oneself for the primary purpose of assuming the sick role, rather than for external incentives (which would be malingering).

Barbie Has Complained of an Unexplained Illness for Several Years