The Spectrum of Factitious Disorders

This comprehensive overview of the spectrum of confusing clinical disorders known as factitious illness is essential for clinicians working in a consultation-liaison service. The authors elucidate the phenomenology and demographic descriptions of the factitious disorders, malingering, and Munchausen's by proxy from the understanding and clinical strategies to manage these vexing problems. It is the only volume that is solely dedicated to this topic and deserves to be in the library of all interested clinicians. Thomas N. Wise, M.D., Editor-in-Chief, Psychosomatics Drs. Feldman and Eisendrath have produced the first comprehensive text on the diagnosis and treatment of factitious disorders. The book not only offers historical and epidemiologic perspective on factitious disorders but presents in-depth psychodynamic insights as well. Clinicians will find The Spectrum of Factitious Disorders a definitive resource on the recognition and management of this complex clinical phenomenon. The text is particularly strong in medical-legal issues presented by factitious disorders including factitious disorder by proxy. Alan Stoudemire, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia The Spectrum of Factitious Disorders is a superb addition to the clinical practice series published by American Psychiatric Press. Drs. Marc Feldman and Stuart Eisendrath have assembled a prestigious group of experts who discuss, in practical terms, current issues with factitious disorders... [A] timely contribution to our literature with a wealth of case material, many clinical insights, and practical considerations for management of factitious disorders, this book is a must for any clinician who regularly encounters this clinical problem. David G. Folks, M.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska The book combines a scholarly review of all aspects of factitious illness, combining a historical approach with a careful yet colorful account of the more recently studied conditions such as factitious illness by proxy. There is sufficient detail to provide a vivid picture of the disruption and difficulties that such patients and families for those who try to help them, and much practical guidance about avoiding misdiagnosis and other mistakes, including litigation. I do not know of another similarly comprehensive book covering the many different facets of factitious disorders. It is fascinating and instructive. Roy Meadow, M.D., President, British Pediatric Association

Factitious disorder presents one of the most challenging variants of psychopathology in medicine. The book is the first for professionals to offer a comprehensive overview of current thinking about patients who feign or induce illness—in themselves or others—to accrue the intangible benefits of the "sick" role.

Factitious disorder presents one of the most challenging variants of psychopathology in medicine. The Spectrum of Factitious Disorders is the first book for professionals to offer a comprehensive overview of current thinking about patients who feign or induce illness—in themselves or others—to accrue the intangible benefits of the "sick" role.

Attempts to influence factitious patients' behavior have been largely unsuccessful. This volume covers innovative techniques for treating such patients, stressing the need to treat them with acceptance and understanding. First-person accounts are used to illustrate the intense feelings mobilized in friends, family members, caregivers, and patients themselves as factitious disorders play out. The book also presents a management approach that emphasizes respect for the patient, no matter what the symptomatology.

Using abundant case material, this revolutionary work aids mental health practitioners in understanding the phenomenon of "disease-forgery" and addresses its inherent management challenges. Notable contributors provide relevant information on ethical and legal issues in factitious disorders. The clinical features, detection, and management of factitious disorder by proxy are explored, along with comprehensive psychosocial assessment and legal issues in such cases.