ABSTRACT

Taken from bizarre cases of real patients, Playing Sick? is the first book to chronicle the devastating impact of phony illnesses--factitious disorders and Munchausen syndrome--on patients and caregivers alike. Based on years of research and clinical practice, Playing Sick? provides the clues that can help practitioners and family members recognize these disorders, avoid invasive procedures, and sort out the motives that drive people to hurt themselves and deceive others. With insight and years of hands-on experience, Feldman shows how to get these emotionally ill patients the psychiatric help they need.

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 15|17 pages

Detection and Diagnosis

chapter 16|27 pages

Healing

Intervention and Treatment