Illness or simulation

Abstract

Objectives

The revision of the differential diagnosis of simulation cases versus real psychopathological cases. Analysis of a case of the Ganser syndrome by revising the diagnosis criterions and their historical characteristics.

Method

We analyze the case of a 38-year-old male who came to the community mental health team and reference hospital. Following symptoms were observed: involuntary movements of the upper extremities associated with delirium coinciding with the premature birth of a child. This refers also to a compatible episode of a dissociative fugue.

Results

To establish the diagnosis, we differentiate against disorders such as Simulation, factitious disorders with psychological symptoms or Factitious Disorders with somatic symptoms (Münchhausen syndrome). In order to support our diagnosis, we base on the CIE-10 and the DSM-IVTR classification.

Conclusions

We don’t diagnose the clinical pictures in which we don’t think. The Syndrome of Ganser could be positioned between neurosis and psychosis and between illness and simulation. The recommended treatment includes hospitalization in order to insure the diagnosis. While some authors recommend neuroleptics and others - anxiolytics, the psychotherapy is obligatory. The goal is to help the patient restore function and adapt to his environment again.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.