2nd February 2024

Epidemiology

The prevalence of factitious disorder is not known. This condition mainly involves deception and dishonesty, which makes it difficult to know the incidence. In hospital settings, it is probable that around 1% of them may meet the criteria.
Factitious disorder is common among women and healthcare workers.
In factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA, or Munchausen syndrome by proxy), females are usually the perpetrators, and the majority of them are mothers.
The onset is usually in the early 20’s.
Individuals often have a history of numerous hospital admissions and are often keen to undergo invasive procedures.
These incidents are usually sporadic. However, for some individuals, the pattern of behaviours can become enduring.
The overall prognosis is usually poor. When challenged, the majority of individuals will refute their behaviours, and very few will seek treatment.
For factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA), it usually commences after an initial hospitalisation of their child or other dependent. For the victims of FDIA (–usually children), the mortality is commonly due to poisoning or suffocation and can be between 6 and 22%.

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