What distinguishes Factitious Disorder?

Factitious Disorder is characterized by the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms in order to assume the sick role. Individuals with this disorder are aware that they are fabricating their symptoms, but they do so without any apparent external incentives such as financial gain or avoidance of legal responsibility. Instead, their primary motivation is to receive medical attention and emotional support, similar to what is offered to a patient who is genuinely ill.

The distinction here lies in the fact that the motivations behind their symptoms are internal rather than external, which differentiates Factitious Disorder from other disorders where symptoms are fabricated for clear external rewards. Understanding this core aspect highlights why the fabrication of symptoms occurs in the absence of tangible benefits, which is the essence of the disorder.