F for Factitious Disorder

F is for Factitious Disorder 🎭
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Some people fake or induce mental health problems for sympathy and attention (doesn’t include faking illnesses for rewards such as money or missing work). Researchers don’t know the exact cause for this, but actors that can increase the risk oh developing might be: childhood abuse or neglect, trauma, family dysfunction, social isolation, or personality disorders.
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What you can do > People with this disorder might not deny it or not even be aware of it, so treatment can be difficult. If you know someone who might be going through this don’t confront them in an aggressive manner, but reassure them and encourage them with positive and healthy behaviors. Seek a health professional and promote therapy!
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Please note: this disorder can mean someone self imposed illnesses or it can mean someone imposed them on someone else (for example a parent imposing on a child). In this case, it is the one who imposes and not the victim who has the disorder and should be treated.