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Case Reports
. 1984 Jun;172(6):369-72.
doi: 10.1097/00005053-198406000-00010.

Factitial aplastic anemia

C V Ford, R Stein, M P Kelly, L M Adelson
Case Reports

Factitial aplastic anemia

C V Ford et al. J Nerv Ment Dis. 1984 Jun.

Abstract

A 29-year-old married nurse with pancytopenia was discovered to be surreptitiously ingesting alkylating agents. Despite her life-threatening behavior, there was no evidence that she was psychotic, depressed, or cognitively impaired. Psychological testing was indicative of a sociopathic personality. The patient and her behavior elicited considerable affect and controversy among members of her health team. It is hypothesized that the patient's behavior resulted from longstanding low self-esteem. The production of a dramatic illness gratified dependency needs and fooling physicians gave her a sense of power.

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