Munchausen Syndrome: Diagnosis and Treatment in Switzerland

Munchausen Syndrome is a psychiatric disorder in which a person simulates or deliberately induces medical symptoms in themselves or another person. This disorder is named after Baron Carl Friedrich von Munchausen, who was known for his numerous fictional stories about his adventures.

Munchausen Syndrome is a rare condition, accounting for 0.2-1.3% of all mental disorders, with women being more affected than men. The average age of patients is 34 years old.

Portrait of a person with Munchausen Syndrome

Munchausen Syndrome is classified as a borderline psychiatric disorder, representing one form of personality and behavioral disorder, where a person consults a doctor about somatic, imaginary, or intentionally induced symptoms and conditions that are not signs of a real pathological state. This is already a manifestation of deception. However, it is not about gaining material benefit. For such patients, the main life goal is hospitalization, and the process of treatment and staying in the hospital is more important to them than the result. Note that such conditions can arise after a genuine somatic illness, loss of a loved one, or due to loneliness.

These individuals have characteristic disturbances in self-esteem, self-control, a strong need for dependence, and in case of severe disappointment, they can enter the world of fantasies and dreams. These patients require attention from medical personnel but try to avoid contact with psychiatrists because they unconsciously understand the essence of their problem. Therefore, they prefer to be admitted to the hospital late at night, at night, or on holidays when, in their opinion, young and inexperienced doctors are on duty in the emergency department. They also try not to visit local therapists and clinics and never end up in the same hospital. There has been a case described when one of such "Baron Munchausen" managed to visit 60 hospitals in a year.

Interestingly, these patients have normal or above-average IQ, they have no changes in formal thinking, they can be interested in special medical literature, and have a complete understanding of the clinic of the fictitious disorder. The peak of the disease occurs at the age of 15 to 30 years old, but it can develop in the first few years of life. 

Main causes of Munchausen Syndrome

Munchausen Syndrome is characterized by the fact that people sensitive to this disorder are well aware that they do not have pronounced ailments, but at the same time, they have a strong desire to become physically ill. At the same time, the psychology of such a disorder is currently not reliably known, although experts agree that the nature of the syndrome lies in the early childhood of the person. Having once suffered from a severe illness and receiving a portion of increased attention to their person from loved ones, the person wants to feel maximum care again.

Among the factors that can increase the risk of developing such a disorder, the following can be distinguished:

• emotional trauma experienced in early childhood;
• predisposition to personality disorder;
• history of violence;
• low self-esteem.

More often, Munchausen Syndrome affects young and middle-aged women, but it can also be found among the male audience. In more advanced cases, a delegated form of the disease may arise, when a person with such a disorder begins to harm loved ones, trying to become ill. Therefore, they receive attention and the necessary share of sympathy from those around them.

Munchausen syndrome can be diagnosed in clinics in Switzerland based on the following criteria

• A person simulates or deliberately induces medical symptoms in themselves or another person.
• The person is aware that their actions are false.
• The person pursues a specific goal, such as seeking attention, sympathy, or avoiding responsibility.

Diagnosing Munchausen syndrome can be challenging because individuals can be very convincing in their simulations. Doctors typically prescribe a series of tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as physical illness or mental disorders.

Treatment for Munchausen syndrome usually involves psychotherapy. The goal of therapy is to identify and address the underlying problems leading to the disorder. In some cases, medication may be required.

In Switzerland, there are several specialized clinics such as CorSwiss such as CALDA, and Kusnacht Practice  that diagnose and treat Munchausen syndrome. These clinics offer a wide range of services including psychotherapy, medication, and family support.  Therefore, patients are healed faster here compared to other clinics, with a 90% elimination of relapses.

Symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome

The symptoms of Münchausen syndrome can be varied and depend on what symptoms a person is faking or causing in themselves or another person. Common symptoms are:

• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Labored breathing
• Headaches
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Vision disturbances
• Hearing disturbances
• Skin diseases
• Heart problems
• Lung problems

In some cases, individuals may simulate or induce more serious symptoms such as cancer, stroke, or heart attack..инфаркт. 

Additionally, people with this condition often engage in constant conflicts with medical staff and prevent doctors from discussing the patient's condition with their family.

Treatment of Munchausen Syndrome

• Treatment usually involves psychotherapy aimed at identifying and addressing the underlying problems that lead to the disorder. In some cases, medication may be necessary.
• Psychotherapy can help individuals understand why they simulate or induce medical symptoms in themselves or others. Therapists can also help individuals develop healthier ways of seeking attention and sympathy.
• Medication may be used to treat concurrent mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Prognosis for Munchausen Syndrome

The prognosis for Munchausen syndrome depends on the severity of the disorder and how motivated the individual is for treatment. In general, the prognosis is favorable if the person receives proper treatment.

Munchausen syndrome is a serious mental disorder that can have serious consequences for the individual and their family. It is important for people suffering from this disorder to receive proper treatment.