Munchausen's Syndrome in Learning Disability

Abstract

This is a case report and discussion of a man who presented with both learning disabilities and Munchausen's syndrome, a combination that is rarely described in the professional literature. Most individuals with Munchausen's syndrome disengage from professional services once diagnosed. In this report a case is described where an individual was followed up for a period of two years with treatment that appeared to be successful. Treatment is important for the individual, as some of the behaviours exhibited in order to feign illness are potentially dangerous, sometimes leading to death. Also, these individuals can use up vast amounts of health resource inappropriately in both unnecessary investigations and hospital admissions.