Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What term describes faking illness for medical attention?

1. Munchausen Syndrome

2. Somatic Symptom Disorder

3. Illness Anxiety Disorder

4. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The correct answer is: Munchausen Syndrome

The term that describes faking illness for medical attention is Munchausen Syndrome. This condition falls under a category of factitious disorder, where a person deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms of illness in order to gain attention, sympathy, or care from medical professionals and others. Individuals with Munchausen Syndrome are consciously aware of their actions and engage in deceptive behavior, such as falsifying medical histories, tampering with medical tests, or even self-harm to simulate or induce medical conditions. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it differentiates it from other conditions where the symptoms may be real but not intentionally fabricated. For instance, Somatic Symptom Disorder involves individuals experiencing real physical symptoms, but these symptoms are not explained by a medical condition, and the distress or impairment is related to the person’s interpretation of their symptoms rather than a conscious desire to deceive. Similarly, Illness Anxiety Disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness without significant medical evidence supporting that concern, while Generalized Anxiety Disorder encompasses a broader range of anxiety about various aspects of life, not limited to health. Recognizing Munchausen Syndrome is important in clinical settings to ensure that patients receive appropriate care while also guarding against potential misuse of medical resources and ensuring the integrity of patient-provider relationships