Munchausen's syndrome.

Munchausen's syndrome is a chronic condition in which patients with factitious illness present with dramatic and sometimes self-inflicted signs and symptoms. Much investigation is needed to delineate the etiology and psychodynamics of this disorder. After other causes for the patient's condition have been ruled out and a firm diagnosis is made, cautious confrontation with long-term psychotherapy, if the patient is amenable, is thought to be the best approach.