title: Thiopental-facilitated interview in respiratory Munchausen's syndrome.
abstract: We report an unintentional thiopental-facilitated interview in a patient presenting with apparent respiratory failure as a manifestation of Munchausen's syndrome. Unnecessary intubation was avoided and correct diagnosis was made using the thiopental interview. Patients with suspected Munchausen's syndrome represent a difficult dilemma for the emergency physician. Use of the barbiturate-facilitated interview in the emergency department may reveal the diagnosis and prevent unnecessary procedures and hospitalization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona 85008.
authors.forename: W Z
authors.initials: WZ
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Jackimczyk
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Seligson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009110:Munchausen Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013874:Thiopental
chemical_list: D013874:Thiopental