ABSTRACT
In this chapter, a social history of Munchausen syndrome is punctuated by analysis of how the author's experiences affect (or not) the historical analysis. This social history describes a number of contexts that help to understand Munchausen syndrome. Ideas of welfare ‘scroungers’ at the inauguration of the NHS bring supposedly fraudulent patients into sharp focus, as exploiters of ‘public funds,’ as do new regimes of diagnostic testing. New diagnostic ideas of ‘psychopathy’ and later ‘sick roles’ are also shown to bring meaning to Munchausen patients. The communication allowed by correspondence and record-keeping in the NHS is also probed for its relationship to this syndrome. Much of this has no direct relation to the author's experiences, but there are places where it does seem to shape the analysis. In the final section, the angle of analysis shifts. One kind of Munchausen that the author has steered away from is described. There is also a sense that the author's experiences at A&E departments constitute a strong pull towards Munchausen syndrome. This particular kind of deceptive health behaviour is rooted in that particular part of the healthcare system.
