ABSTRACT

In the classic edition of this outstanding book, originally published in 2004, Dr. Marc Feldman explores the bizarre cases of real patients who feign or even self-induce illness. Playing Sick? chronicles the devastating impact of illness hoaxes, including factitious disorders, Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen by proxy, and malingering. Based on years of research and clinical practice, Playing Sick? provides the clues that can help professionals, family members, friends, and patients themselves to recognize these diagnoses, avoid invasive procedures, and understand elusive motives. Dr. Feldman offers practical advice to get emotionally ill patients the help they need.

This classic edition is essential reading for physicians, social workers, and anyone interested in why and how individuals fabricate illness.

chapter 1|17 pages

Dying for Attention

chapter 3|11 pages

Pseudologia fantastica

Lies Larger than Life

chapter 4|12 pages

Invading the Body

The Enemy Within

chapter 5|9 pages

Feverish Ploys

chapter 6|12 pages

Out of Control

When the Ruse Becomes Real

chapter 8|15 pages

Drawing Back the Curtains

The Motives Behind the Madness

chapter 9|19 pages

Mental Masquerades

chapter 10|28 pages

Munchausen by Proxy

When Factitious Disorder Becomes Abuse

chapter 11|12 pages

Munchausen by Proxy 2

After Detection

chapter 12|12 pages

Cyber-Deception

Virtual Factitious Disorder and Munchausen by Internet

chapter 13|12 pages

People Who Care

The Casualties of Deception

chapter 14|16 pages

Conscience, Ethics, and the Law

chapter 15|17 pages

Detection and Diagnosis

chapter 16|27 pages

Healing

Intervention and Treatment