What are the causes of Munchausen syndrome?
Experts say that there is extremely little evidence on the possible causes of the condition because patients refuse to cooperate with most kinds of psychiatric treatment or psychological profiling. Most experts agree that Munchausen syndrome is a kind of personality disorder. A personality disorder is one in which the patient has a distorted pattern of thoughts and beliefs about themselves and other people. This pattern makes them behave in ways others consider as abnormal or disturbed. Some psychiatrists and a significant number of psychologists say that those with Munchausen syndrome have an antisocial personality disorder which makes them enjoy manipulating and duping health care professionals. They see doctors as figures of authority and derive a sense of power and control when they deceive them. It is also possible, say psychologists, that an individual with Munchausen syndrome is attempting to form relationships, trying to become more socially acceptable. A significant number of
