Tonya is admitted to the hospital covered in blood. She reports that she has been bleeding uncontrollably from her mouth. Later, a nurse finds a syringe filled with blood thinner among Tonya's personal items in the hospital room. Tonya denies that the syringe is hers. The syringe is not made by a company the hospital uses. This fact leads hospital staff to wonder if, rather than having a valid illness, Tonya has a DSM-5 mental disorder called__________.

Question

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The symptoms described suggest that Tonya may be experiencing a factitious disorder on herself, also known as Munchausen syndrome. This disorder involves intentionally making oneself appear sick or injured in order to receive attention or sympathy from others. The presence of the syringe adds to the suspicion that Tonya may be intentionally causing her own symptoms.

Tonya Is Admitted to the Hospital Covered in Blood