Pseudologia fantastica, factitious disorder and impostership: a deception syndrome

Abstract

Pseudologia fantastica and impostership are not currently included in diagnostic systems, although there is an overlap between these two syndromes and factitious disorder. A case which illustrates the overlap is described, and the diagnostic dilemma is discussed. A term 'deception syndrome' is proposed for those individuals who pathologically deceive for internal (i.e. psychological) as opposed to external reasons such as financial gain.