FACTITIOUS DISORDER - A CASE REPORT

Factitious disorder is characterized by knowingly repeated simulation of physical symptoms for the sole purpose of obtaining medical care and attention. Unlike malingering there is no obvious recognizable gain in assuming the sick role. The presenting symptoms may mimic various medical illnesses like fever, seizures, bronchial asthma, haematuria, oliguria, renal colic, diplopia, and blepharospasm. The exaggeration of a pre-existing condition has also been reported and it is also included under factitious disorder. Here we report an interesting case where the patient complained of finding live insects crawling out of her ears.