A brain origin for factitious disorder (Munchausen's) with malingering? A single case with an old frontal lobe lesion

Abstract

We describe a patient who presented with gender identity dysphoria and stroke-like symptoms who we diagnosed with Munchausen's syndrome (factitious disorder). We discuss whether a brain lesion in the left frontal cortex is a possible risk factor, and support this hypothesis through neuropsychological investigation, EEG abnormalities, and a personality assessment. This case report supports previous suggestions that underlying brain disease/lesions might be risk factors for Munchausen's syndrome (factitious disorder).

Keywords: Brain lesion; EEG; factitious disorder (Munchausen’s); malingering.