Munchausen Syndrome

Munchausen Syndrome What it is: A psychiatric factitious disorder whereby the patient feigns illness, disease or injury to gain sympathy, attention or reassurance. Who it affects: 66,834 hospital admissions per year at RPA 534 patients with factitious disorder 53 patients with Munchausen syndrome An estimated 0.8% of hospital admissions exhibit or factitious disorder. Of these, 10% are suspected of having Munchausen Syndrome. What are the symptoms: Multiple hospitalisations Multiple hospital visits Self induced injury Substance abuse Poor use of terms Multiple surgeries Relationship to medical profession Symptom Characteristics Exhibited (% of cases) H. Source: Pankratz, 1981 What it is costing: $3,670 Average medical costs per capita per year in Australia Source: OECD 2010-2011 $11,950 Case 1 Munchausen sufferer Included 4 hospitalisations Over 4 years Source: Hoertel, Lavaud, Le Strat, Gonwood, 2012 $62,500 Case 2: Munchausen sufferer Cumulative cost of Source: Hoertel, Lavaud, Le Strat, Gorwood, 2012 $750,000 OVver 12 years www.waichim.com %23 ........