Hannah's doctors are convinced that her physical symptoms are not real, but they cannot decide whether this is an instance of malingering or factitious disorder. What factor will best help them to choose between these two possibilities?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The factor that will best help the doctors choose between malingering and factitious disorder is whether Hannah is achieving some specific external gain. In malingering, the individual fakes symptoms to achieve some external goal, such as obtaining disability benefits or avoiding military service. Factitious disorder, on the other hand, involves the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms for no external gain other than the attention and sympathy of medical professionals. Therefore, determining whether Hannah is achieving some external gain will help the doctors determine which of these two possibilities is more likely.

Hannah's Doctors Are Convinced That Her Physical Symptoms Are Not