What is the primary characteristic of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self?

The primary characteristic of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self is indeed that the patient feigns or deliberately produces symptoms in themselves. This disorder is primarily driven by the individual's desire to assume the sick role and receive medical attention and care. The symptoms can be physical or psychological, and individuals may go to great lengths, including tampering with tests or inducing illness, to create the appearance of being ill or injured.

In this disorder, the motivation behind the behavior is not monetary gain or avoiding responsibilities, which distinguishes it from malingering. Instead, the focus is on achieving the role of a patient, which can provide emotional benefits such as sympathy and support from healthcare providers or family members.

Understanding that the symptoms are intentionally produced is crucial in differentiating Factitious Disorder from other conditions, such as somatic symptom disorder or malingering, where symptoms may arise from different motivations. This clarification underscores the importance of careful assessment in clinical settings to identify and address the disorder effectively.