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186166 tn?1385259382

interesting reading / munchausen by internet

Münchausen by Internet is a pattern of behavior in which Internet users seek attention by feigning illnesses in online venues such as chat rooms, message boards, and Internet Relay Chat (IRC). It has been described in medical literature as a manifestation of factitious disorder or factitious disorder by proxy.[1] Reports of users who deceive Internet forum participants by portraying themselves as gravely ill or as victims of violence first appeared in the 1990s due to the relative newness of Internet communications. The pattern was identified in 1998 by psychiatrist Marc Feldman, who created the term "Münchausen by Internet" in 2000. It is not included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-IV-TR.

The development of factitious disorders in online venues is made easier by the availability of medical literature on the Internet, the anonymous and malleable nature of online identities, and the existence of communication forums established for the sole purpose of giving support to members facing significant health or psychological problems. Several high-profile cases have demonstrated behavior patterns which are common among those who pose as gravely ill, victims of violence, or whose deaths are announced to online forums. The virtual communities which were created to give support, as well as general non-medical communities, often express genuine sympathy and grief for the purported victims. When fabrications are suspected or confirmed, the ensuing discussion can create schisms in online communities, destroying some and altering the trusting nature of individual members in others.

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199177 tn?1490498534
You cant do anything really to prevent it ,just remember take everything with a grain of salt .Most of the people you meet on the Internet are great but remember we don't know each other .So just beware and careful try to keep your personal info to a minimum and you will be fine :)
Helpful - 0
1253584 tn?1332877954
Wow that's sad! How can u find thoses people and how do u make sure they don't do it again. I really hope they done ruin it for the rest of us like me who actually needs help. It's sad
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
You can pick them out and yes it does happen here.
Helpful - 0
1032715 tn?1315984234
I'm amazed I never thought anyone would do something like this,I suppose it takes all kinds to make a world,I suppose if someone is that desperate for attention then they do have a problem that needs to be addressed,but how do you pick the ones that aren't being truthful,hopefully there isn't anyone like that on medhelp.

Denise
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I agree.. this is the sad thing about this illness.. it consumes them much like addiction does.. everyone who loves them suffers as their life passes them buy because they are consumed with these impulses but deep down they know the truth as we all do and the guilt I'm sure eats away at their spirit.. my mom had something such as this but she put the illness on my daughter.. although she has turners syndrome she told peps things that would gain her attention as the grandmother that were not true.. it is very sad.. they also usually lie very easily as if breathing.. I believe it comes with the illness..
Helpful - 0
495284 tn?1333894042
COMMUNITY LEADER
My mouth just dropped when i read this!!!  It is sad cuz usually everyone but the persons doing this realize it.  
Helpful - 0
199177 tn?1490498534
Its very sad but not surpising we have had a few people to end up not being what or who we thought they were .I feel bad and hope people get help .I am sure the biggest problem is people dont relize they have a problem think its harmless until its way out of control
Helpful - 0
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