The limits of Munchausen's syndrome.
- Authors
- Type
- Published Article
- Journal
- Canadian Psychiatric Association journal
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1979
- Volume
- 24
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 323–328
- Identifiers
- PMID: 466627
- Source
- Medline
- License
- Unknown
Abstract
The authors review the literature on Munchausen's syndrome and speculate about possible underlying psychological mechanisms. The proposed DSM III classification of factitious illnesses suggests a continuum from hysteria on one end of the spectrum to malingering on the other. Two case studies are presented which represent variants of this syndrome. Both patients were given a sodium amytal interview, a procedure not previously reported in the Munchausen's literature. The procedure was helpful in eliciting a more accurate history and a clearer sense of the underlying dynamics. Some suggestions for further research are made.