Faking it: Munchausen syndrome and the compulsion to be ill

By Jessica Severin de Martinez,

Robyn Doyon-Aitken , Megan Fitzgerald, Meg Dalton, Chion Wolf

Published August 2, 2024 at 11:39 AM EDT

Illustration of a woman placing two large bandaids on a brain.

1 of 3 — Woman placing bandage on brain injury

Malte Mueller / Getty

2 of 3 — Dr. Marc Feldman is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He is an international expert in factitious disorder, Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen by proxy, and malingering, and the author of many books, including “Dying to Be Ill: True Stories of Medical Deception“.

Dr. Marc Feldman is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He is an international expert in factitious disorder, Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen by proxy, and malingering, and the author of many books, including “Dying to Be Ill: True Stories of Medical Deception“.

Sara Feldman

3 of 3 — Cindy Buckshon is the author of “Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire“, a memoir of a lifelong struggle with mental illnesses, specifically bipolar disorder and factitious disorder, more commonly known as Munchausen syndrome. She is also a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter.

Cindy Buckshon is the author of “Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire“, a memoir of a lifelong struggle with mental illnesses, specifically bipolar disorder and factitious disorder, more commonly known as Munchausen syndrome. She is also a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter.

Most of us have faked being sick at some point, whether to escape a commitment or gain a little sympathy. But for some, this behavior becomes a compulsion, driven by underlying mental health or personality disorders.

Meet a woman who has written a book about her journey to overcome Munchausen Syndrome, also known as Factitious Disorder. And a doctor specializing in this condition sheds light on its complexities, misconceptions, and pathways to recovery.

Suggested episodes:

GUESTS:

Dr. Marc Feldman: Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He is an international expert in factitious disorder, Munchausen syndrome, Munchausen by proxy, and malingering, and the author of many books, including Dying to Be Ill: True Stories of Medical Deception
Cindy Buckshon: Author of Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire, a memoir of a lifelong struggle with mental illnesses, specifically bipolar disorder and factitious disorder, more commonly known as Munchausen syndrome. She is also a graphic designer, illustrator, and painter

Jessica Severin de Martinez, Meg Fitzgerald, Robyn Doyon-Aitken, Meg Dalton, and Catie Talarski contributed to this show.

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