Treatment for munchausen syndrome is one of the most challenging tasks for medical practitioners. The main reason as to why this is the case is because making the diagnosis is quite challenging in itself. The condition is classified among the factitious disorders and represents the most severe form of the spectrum. The affected persons have a tendency to inflict injuries on themselves and to pretend to be sick. The medical interventions that are undertaken are aimed at preventing serious injuries.

While looking for a treatment, you will need to understand this condition well. The most characteristic symptom is that the patients make up symptoms, rig laboratory results and push for surgical procedures. The main aim is to win concern and sympathy from other people or to gain financially. Due to the continued deception, healthcare are likely to become frustrated and the diagnosis may take a pretty long time to make.

Once the condition has been suspected the affected individual should be referred to a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist will help in confirming the presumptive diagnosis and making plans on the possible ways of managing the case. The method chosen for management aims at reducing the risk of getting injuries and undergoing unnecessary medical procedures. Any situations that are likely to lead to confrontation with the patient should be avoided. Management methods must be creative and flexible as well.

Because of the huge challenges involved in making the diagnosis, the outcome of both the doctor and the patient is often quite poor. This prognosis may be improved by ensuring that the care provided is consistent and specialised. Frequently, there is need to use medical records or to get information from friends and close relatives. Accusing the individual directly is likely to make the patient angry or defensive which is counterproductive.

The risk factors that predispose to the condition have been identified. Childhood trauma which could either be emotional or physical is one of the most significant. Sexually abused children are at a high risk of suffering from the syndrome as they grow up. Illnesses suffered in childhood and especially those that are associated with increased concern from parents and other close relatives may increase the risk. Others include loss of loved ones, personality disorders and low self-esteem.

Failure to institute management in time may lead to a number of complications. A number of injuries are potentially fatal and these should be prevented as much as possible. The many medical procedures that are done and the drugs taken frequently lead to reactions that are likely to cause a deterioration of the health status. Over time, these patients are likely to turn to drug abuse and may even contemplate committing suicide.

The statistics related to the condition are very obscure. The number of people affected is said to be very small however. The main reason as to why these statistics are not available is because of the difficulty in making this diagnosis. The patients will also visit many centres which leads to scattered information. The condition is said to be twice as common in men as it is in females. It is commoner in older patients than young ones.

Treatment for munchausen syndrome requires coordination of many disciplines. Physicians have to work closely with psychiatrists if good results are to be obtained. Another important aspect to consider is family support.