Abstract
The authors describe two patients with Munchausen syndrome who met DSM-III criteria for major depression. Both patients exhibited evidence of nonsuppression of serum cortisol by dexamethasone. Although many patients with Munchausen syndrome have been reported to be depressed, only a few have received a diagnosis of major depression. Because the physical and psychiatric symptoms of the Munchausen patient are so complex, clinical assessment may stop at a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome, and major depresssion may be overlooked. A diagnosis of major depression should be considered in the evaluation of these patients; the dexamethasone suppression test may enhance clinical assessment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 570-572 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | American Journal of Psychiatry |
Volume | 141 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1984 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health