[Munchausen syndrome]

Abstract

The Munchausen Syndrome is characterized by the tireless and repeated attempts, carried out by the affected individual, to obtain hospitalization following an extremely credible and dramatic representation of physical symptoms. This condition was described at first by Asher in 1951; the author saw fit to link the syndrome to the name of the Baron of Munchausen, the character described by Raspe, famous for the tendency to tell lies concerning his invented adventurous life, thus highlighting what is the main element of the disease which is the tendency to lie to the doctors about one's health, filling one own's life with dramatic events (pseudologia fantastica). The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive review of some of the literature dedicated to the factitious disorders, with particular stress on the psychiatric and psychodynamic interpretations offered throughout the years.