Dados do Trabalho

Título

MUNCHAUSEN SYNDROME: A LITERARY REVIEW

Introdução

Munchausen syndrome, also known as factitious disorder, is a psychological disorder in which the person simulates symptoms or forces the onset of disease. People with this type of syndrome repeatedly invent diseases and often go from hospital to hospital in search of treatment. As this syndrome is difficult to identify, it is usually suspected when the person does not show any improvement in symptoms.

Objetivo

To identify the challenges presented by Munchausen Syndrome diagnosis and its outcomes.

Método

The present review aimed to evaluate the quality of the literature on Munchausen syndrome, its clinical outcomes and diagnostic difficulties in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic search was performed on PubMed and SciELO databases to find articles published until 2021. Searching algorithms included Munchausen syndrome, factitious disorder and psychiatric illness. Any relevant articles that reported Munchausen syndrome in patients under 70 years old, without other psychiatric illnesses were included in the analysis.

Resultados

From this review, it was possible to identify that Munchausen syndrome consumes resources and time of health teams, due to unnecessary evaluations and procedures, and it is also difficult to treat these patients, since most of them avoid psychiatric assessments. As a result, this lack of identification can lead to unnecessary laboratory tests and procedures that prolong hospitalizations and increase costs. In general, we identified few studies involving adults, dependent patients are vulnerable to Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and factitious disorder that presents with a fascinating range of diseases in all medical specialties. The presence of experienced interdisciplinary teams, with adequately trained medical professionals can help to better identify real cases. Patients with Munchausen syndrome usually begin their behavior in early adulthood after hospitalization for a somatic or mental disorder. Therefore, the involvement of a psychiatrist is essential to assess the patient’s exact motivation.

Conclusão

People with Munchausen syndrome simulate symptoms or force the onset of disease. They usually seek medical assistance incessantly, consuming resources and the time of health teams, because of unnecessary assessments and procedures. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to identify this syndrome, aiming to provide adequate treatment, and avoid overcrowding in hospitals.

Palavras-chave

Munchausen syndrome; Factitious disorder; Psychiatric illness.