Which term describes intentional symptom fabrication described by Morrison as a non-DSM-listed cause of somatic complaints?

• A. Factitious Disorder
• B. Malingering
• C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• D. Illness Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (B)

Intentional fabrication of symptoms to achieve external rewards is malingering. This term specifically describes feigning or exaggerating symptoms with something to gain outside the person’s own health, such as financial advantage, avoiding work, or obtaining medications. Morrison noted this as a non-DSM-listed cause of somatic complaints, meaning it’s a recognized pattern but not a formal DSM diagnosis.

This differs from the other options because:

• Factitious Disorder involves intentional production of symptoms to assume the sick role, driven by internal psychological needs, and is listed in DSM.

• Somatic Symptom Disorder centers on genuine symptoms with excessive thoughts or distress, without intentional fabrication.

• Illness Anxiety Disorder focuses on preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, with little or no actual somatic symptoms and no deliberate faking.

So the best fit for intentional symptom fabrication for external gain is malingering.