Why do some people pretend to be ill?

These people have an internal desire to be seen as weak, ill or injured. However, in many cases there is no intention of gaining any financial benefit from this behavior. These individuals often undergo unnecessary painful and very risky medical tests and procedures in order to obtain empathy and attention which is normally given to sick people.

People who feign medical disorders: A look at Factitious Disorder

With a factitious disorders the individual behaves as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when, in fact, he or she has intentionally produced his or her symptoms. Individuals with factitious disorders purposely create or embellish symptoms of an illness in many ways. These individuals may falsify or mimic symptoms of an illness, injure themselves to bring on symptoms, or manipulate laboratory and diagnostic tests (such as purposefully contaminating a urine or blood samples).

Can one prevent a phobia?

There is no way to prevent phobias because the cause is not well understood. However, it is essential for parents to seek help for their phobias because they can sometimes pass it on to their children from their actions.

How are phobias generally treated?

Once the phobia is diagnosed, there are treatments for this mental disorder. In most cases, a combination of medication and behavior therapy can help reduce the phobia. In the majority of cases, a phobia will never get better if it is left alone.  There is no cure for phobia but the therapies can help reduce the fear and anxiety. The behavior therapies can help you manage your reactions to the phobic-causing situation. The types of medications used to treat phobia range from beta-blockers to reduce the symptoms of fast heart rate and sweating, anti depressants and sedatives. Behavior therapy can help one adjust to the phobia. The therapies emphasize learning and developing a sense of behavior control of thoughts and actions.

What can happen if I do not seek treatment for my phobia?

Phobias may appear trivial but can be distressing to the individual. Phobias lead to social isolation, withdrawal from society, depression and alcohol/substance abuse.

What causes phobias?

Like most things in psychiatry, the cause of phobias is not known but the disorder does tend to run in families. Phobias generally present in the 20s and 30s but may start earlier. Women tend to be more affected than men, but this possibly thought to be due the fact that men do not complain or seek help. Many men tend to hide the problem so that they are not seen as weaklings. In some cases, phobias may be precipitated by a traumatic event like an animal attack or a frightening plane ride. 

What are general symptoms of a phobia?

The symptoms of phobia can be intense and range from uncontrolled anxiety, a  feeling that one must do something to get away from the situation, inability to think rationally, develop sweating, fast heart beat, rapid breathing and a feeling of severe panic. Phobias in children may present as excess clinging, crying or severe behavior alterations.