Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

What term describes a condition where an individual takes on a sick role without any obvious medical causes?

1. Factitious disorder

2. Conversion disorder

3. Somatic symptom disorder

4. Illness anxiety disorder

The correct answer is: Factitious disorder

The term that best describes a condition where an individual takes on a sick role without any obvious medical causes is factitious disorder. In this condition, a person intentionally produces or feigns symptoms of an illness in order to assume the role of a patient. This behavior is driven by a desire to receive medical attention and care rather than for external incentives, such as financial gain or avoiding work. Factitious disorder is distinct from other disorders because the individual is consciously aware of their actions, even though they may not recognize the psychological motivations behind them. This can make it challenging to diagnose and differentiate from other somatic-related conditions. In contrast, conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms that occur without a clear medical explanation, but these symptoms are not intentionally produced. Somatic symptom disorder involves actual distress regarding physical symptoms that may or may not have a medical explanation, focusing on the individual’s experience rather than intentional deception. Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by an excessive worry about having a serious illness, without significant physical symptoms present, which also does not involve the intentional production of symptoms. Thus, factitious disorder is specifically characterized by the deliberate assumption of a sick role, aligning with the description provided in the question.