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Pathomimia (Munchausen syndrome): causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
Pathomimia (synonyms: Munchausen syndrome, simulation)
Causes: Damage to the skin by intensive scratching or any other objects (knife, scissors, etc.), chemicals (alkalis, acids, etc.), burns, etc.; on visible areas of the skin by people to evoke a feeling of pity or sympathy in others.
Symptoms. Erosion, ulcers or scratches are observed on open, hand-accessible areas of the gel. Skin damage can be disfiguring. People with altered psyche, depressed mood, and difficulty adapting to the surrounding conditions are ill. Usually, these people are very sensitive, with a vulnerable psyche, withdrawn, aggressive. Patients with pathomimia suffer from various disorders in other organs and systems.
Treatment. Consultation with a neuropsychiatrist, symptomatic treatment of skin lesions (antibiotics, antiseptics, corticosteroids). For the correction of mental disorders, an antidepressant - depress (20 mg per day) and neuroleptics have a good effect.
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