What is the Difference Between The Two Factitious Disorders?

There are two different types of Factitious Disorders in the mental health sector. Both are classed as a Somatic Disorder.

The two conditions are Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another and Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self. These conditions are also known as Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy and Munchausen’s Syndrome, respectively.

While the names of the condition may make it rather clear what the difference is, we look into this in more detail in this article.

Definitions

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy): Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another is a mental health disorder that is characterised by a person acting as if someone in their care has a physical or mental illness. Someone with this condition will fabricate an illness in those under their care – typically a child.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (Munchausen’s Syndrome): Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self is a mental health condition which involves a person acting like they have a physical or mental illness. The person actively feigns their symptoms and will often hurt themselves to cause the symptoms.

The two types of Factitious Disorder compared

As per the above definitions, these are similar conditions. Both involve the fabrication or feigning of an illness.

Both are – despite suggestions to the contrary – mental health conditions. Those with the condition should seek help.

But the crucial difference revolves around the person involved. For Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self, this means the person are fabricating or feigning an illness in themself.

For example, someone with this condition may intentionally appear confused, claim to hear voices, or act delusional. In doing this, they would be feigning Schizophrenia.

Moreover, many will opt for a physical illness. They may intentionally infect wounds in an effort to become ill and require medical treatment.

However, Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another involves a person fabricating or feigning an illness in someone else. It is usually someone under their care – typically their child.

For example, someone with this condition may poison their child with unsuitable, dangerous, or non-prescribed medicine. They may do this to make the child appear ill – and seek medical treatment for them.

It is important to note that the caregiver is the one with the mental illness, but their victim will likely develop long-term trauma or health problems.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another is a severe condition and it is crucial for treatment to be sought – for all parties involved.

How are the conditions treated?

Both types of Factitious Disorder require treatment. Both typically require talking therapy – often on a long-term basis.

The more serious treatment is needed for those with Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another. As what they have done is a crime, they may need to partake in treatment in a prison or secure psychiatric hospital.

But those with Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self also need treatment. Talking therapy is also the usual approach used.

There are multiple types of talking therapies available. Common types used across the two disorders include Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy, among others.

To find out more information about therapy, you can visit and review our dedicated talking therapy section.

Summary

Overall, there are many similarities between the two Factitious Disorders. However, there are some crucial differences too.

Irrespective of the type of Factitious Disorder present, it is very important for anyone with a mental health condition to seek treatment. With the right treatment and support, a full recovery is possible.

See Also

• Somatic Disorders: Everything You Need To Know
• Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy): Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More
• Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (Munchausen’s Syndrome): Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More
• Where Does Munchausen’s Syndrome Get Its Name From?