Cognitive Behavioural Management of a Child with Factitious Disorder

Factitious disorder is characterized by the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms with the objective of assuming the patient role for emotional benefits associated with being ill. The present case study attempts to examine the effects of cognitive-behavioural management of factitious disorder of a fourteen year old girl who reported with a three month history of unexplained superficial scratch marks on her limbs and fainting spells. The intervention programme comprising of various behavioural, cognitive techniques along with coping skills training was carried out over twenty five sessions. Results showed marked improvement in the patient's symptoms.