Self-inflicted Damage as Part of the WiderDifferential Diagnosis in Rheumatology

Overview

The paper deals with the problem of pretended somatic or mental disorders and possible mecha-nisms of development of this nosological unit. The authors emphasize obscure points in theetiopathogenesis and deal with the role of counter-transfer of the therapist and the necessity ofa positive approach to these patiens. Case-reports from the Institute of Rheumatology in Pragueprovide evidence of diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties, which may be associated with pretendeddisorders for doctors of different specialities.

Key words:
pretended disorders, factitive disorders, Münchhausen’s syndrome