In factitious disorder, the condition involves presenting as ill when there is no real illness. Which option best matches this definition?

• A. Factitious disorder
• B. Malingering
• C. Somatic symptom disorder
• D. Conversion disorder

Answer: (A)

The main concept is intentionally presenting as ill in order to assume the sick role, without a real medical illness. This is characteristic of factitious disorder, where the person consciously fabricates or feigns symptoms to be cared for and to occupy the sick role, driven by an internal psychological need rather than any external reward.

Malingering, by contrast, involves feigning illness for external incentives such as financial gain, avoiding work, or obtaining drugs. Somatic symptom disorder centers on real, distressing symptoms with excessive worry about their seriousness, but the symptoms aren’t intentionally produced. Conversion disorder features neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by medical illness, and these symptoms are not intentionally faked.