Which of the following individuals would be most likely to receive a diagnosis of factitious disorder?

• A. A person who experiences physical symptoms that are unconsciously produced and related to psychological stress
• B. A person who feigns illness to obtain financial compensation or avoid work
• C. A person who has genuine medical symptoms caused by a known physical illness
• D. A person who deliberately produces or exaggerates physical symptoms in themselves without obvious external rewards

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of factitious disorder. It involves deliberately producing or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms without obvious external incentives, such as financial gain or avoiding responsibilities.
2. Step 2: Differentiate factitious disorder from other related conditions. For example, somatic symptom disorder involves symptoms produced unconsciously, while malingering involves feigning illness for clear external rewards.
3. Step 3: Analyze each option by identifying whether the symptoms are produced consciously or unconsciously, and whether there are external incentives involved.
4. Step 4: Recognize that the individual who deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms without obvious external rewards fits the criteria for factitious disorder.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct diagnosis is for the person who intentionally creates or exaggerates symptoms for psychological reasons, not for tangible external benefits.