title: Identifying and Managing Malingering and Factitious Disorder in the Military.
abstract: Malingering is the intentional fabrication of medical symptoms for the purpose of external gain. Along similar lines as malingering, factitious disorder is the intentional creation or exaggeration of symptoms, but without intent for a concrete benefit. The incidence of malingering and factitious disorder in the military is unclear, but likely under reported for a variety of reasons. One should be aware of potential red flags suggesting malingering or factitious disorder and consider further evaluation to look for these conditions. A deliberate and intentional management plan is ideal in these cases. Furthermore, a multi-disciplinary team approach, a non-judgmental environment, and the use of direct but dignity sparing techniques will likely be most "successful" when confronting the patient with malingering or factitious disorder.
authors.affiliation: Faculty Development Fellowship, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA. sebastian.r.schnellbacher.mil@mail.mil.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schnellbacher
authors.affiliation: Faculty Development Fellowship, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98431, USA.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: O'Mara
mesh_terms: D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Factitious disorder; Malingering; Military