Multidisciplinary Identification and Management of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self in Pediatric Neurorehabilitation 1960

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (FDIS), previously known as Munchausen Syndrome, is a complex and often misunderstood psychological condition in which individuals intentionally fabricate or exaggerate symptoms of injury or illness. This condition often results in unnecessary medical evaluations and interventions which complicates treatment.  The diagnosis and effective management of FDIS in youth presents a unique set of challenges for healthcare professionals and often requires a collaborative multidisciplinary approach.  This symposium will focus on the identification, diagnosis, and management of FDIS, focusing on youth within an inpatient pediatric neurorehabilitation unit. Attendees will learn to differentiate FDIS from other conditions, understand diagnostic criteria, and explore strategies for a collaborative, multidisciplinary, family-centered approach. Key topics include delivering diagnosis and providing education to families, addressing health concerns while reducing inadvertent overmedicalization, and coordinating care across healthcare professionals.  Case examples will be presented to illustrate the challenges and strategies employed in clinical practice.