Clinical Neuropsychology: Open Access
Open Access

Hospital-Addiction Syndrome (HAS), also known as Munchausen Syndrome, is a psychological disorder in which individuals repeatedly seek medical attention despite not having genuine medical conditions. These individuals may fabricate symptoms, intentionally induce illness, or exaggerate minor health issues to receive medical care, attention, and sympathy. The condition is classified as a factitious disorder, meaning that the patient deliberately produces or feigns illness without external incentives such as financial gain or legal benefits. HAS is a severe and chronic mental health condition that can lead to unnecessary medical interventions, misdiagnosis, and increased healthcare costs. Patients with this disorder often have a deep-seated psychological need for attention, which drives them to seek repeated hospital admissions, undergo unnecessary procedures, and manipulate medical staff. The syndrome is particularly challenging to diagnose and treat because patients often go to great lengths to deceive healthcare professionals. Individuals with HAS frequently visit multiple hospitals and medical practitioners, often providing inconsistent medical histories to avoid detection. They may go to great lengths to convince doctors of their fabricated conditions, even undergoing invasive tests and procedures. Some patients intentionally harm themselves—by ingesting harmful substances, contaminating wounds, or manipulating test results—to maintain the illusion of illness. This compulsive behavior can result in serious medical complications, prolonged hospital stays, and, in some cases, life-threatening consequences. The exact cause of HAS remains unclear, but research suggests a combination of psychological, environmental, and biological factors contribute to its development. Many patients have a history of childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse, leading to an intense craving for care and validation in adulthood. Additionally, coexisting mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety are common among individuals with HAS [1,2]. Some experts believe neurobiological abnormalities affecting impulse control and emotional regulation may also play a role in the disorder. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals is crucial for early detection and intervention. By understanding the complexities of HAS, medical practitioners can prevent unnecessary treatments while guiding patients toward appropriate mental health care. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Hospital-Addiction Syndrome, highlighting the impact on patients and the healthcare system [3,4].

Discussion

Hospital-Addiction Syndrome (HAS), also known as Munchausen Syndrome, is a psychological disorder in which individuals deliberately seek medical attention by fabricating, exaggerating, or inducing illnesses. This condition falls under factitious disorders, where patients assume the role of the sick person without an obvious external reward. HAS poses significant challenges to both the patient and the healthcare system, leading to unnecessary medical interventions, resource misallocation, and potential harm to the individual [5,6].

Causes of Hospital-Addiction Syndrome

The exact cause of HAS is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of psychological, social, and biological factors.

Psychological Factors:

Childhood Trauma: Many individuals with HAS have a history of childhood abuse, neglect, or frequent hospital visits, which may create an emotional association with medical care [7].

Low Self-Esteem: The need for validation and attention drives some individuals to assume the sick role as a way to feel important or cared for.

Personality Disorders: HAS is often linked to borderline personality disorder (BPD), where individuals exhibit unstable emotions and impulsive behavior.

Depression and Anxiety: Underlying mental health conditions may contribute to the compulsive need for medical attention.

Social and Environmental Factors:

Lack of Social Support: Individuals with HAS may seek hospital care as a substitute for genuine social relationships [8].

Medical Knowledge Exposure: Some patients, particularly those with medical backgrounds, use their knowledge to convincingly fake symptoms.

Previous Hospitalization Experiences: A history of prolonged or frequent hospital stays in childhood can create an emotional dependency on medical environments.

Biological Factors:

Neurobiological Abnormalities: Some researchers suggest that abnormalities in brain areas regulating impulse control and emotional processing may contribute to HAS.

Genetic Influence: While no specific genes have been identified, individuals with a family history of mental health disorders may be at a higher risk [9].

Symptoms of Hospital-Addiction Syndrome

Patients with HAS exhibit a variety of behaviors aimed at attracting medical attention. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Fabrication or Exaggeration of Symptoms:

Claiming to experience severe pain, infections, or unexplained symptoms that cannot be medically verified.

Falsifying medical history or test results to mislead healthcare providers.

Intentional Self-Harm:

Injecting bacteria or chemicals into the body to induce infections.

Tampering with wounds to prevent healing.

Frequent Hospital Visits:

Seeking treatment at multiple hospitals to avoid detection ("doctor shopping").

Changing doctors frequently when questioned about symptoms.

Insisting on unnecessary medical tests or procedures.

Resistance to Medical Advice:

Disregarding test results that show no illness.

Expressing disappointment when told they are healthy.

Refusing psychiatric evaluation or mental health support.

Manipulative Behavior:

Pretending to be a cooperative patient while misleading doctors.

Using medical knowledge to make fabricated illnesses appear more convincing.

Exaggerating minor health issues to justify hospital admission.

Treatment of Hospital-Addiction Syndrome

Managing HAS is complex because patients often resist treatment and deny their condition. A multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, psychologists, and medical professionals is necessary for effective management [10].

Psychotherapy:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change harmful thought patterns related to their need for medical attention.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy coping mechanisms.

Group Therapy: Provides peer support and helps reduce social isolation.

Medication:

Antidepressants: May be prescribed to manage coexisting depression or anxiety.

Mood Stabilizers: Used in cases where emotional dysregulation contributes to factitious behaviors.

Establishing Boundaries in Medical Care:

Assigning a Primary Care Physician: A single doctor overseeing treatment can prevent excessive medical interventions.

Limiting Unnecessary Procedures: Doctors should set strict guidelines to avoid reinforcing factitious behaviors.

Medical Record Coordination: Hospitals and clinics should track patients with frequent unexplained hospital visits.

Family and Social Support:

Educating Family Members: Teaching loved ones about HAS can help them provide appropriate emotional support without reinforcing illness-seeking behavior.

Encouraging Healthy Relationships: Patients should be guided toward alternative ways to seek validation and connection.

Long-Term Monitoring and Follow-Up:

Regular Mental Health Check-Ups: Continuous psychiatric care can help prevent relapses.

Behavioral Monitoring: Tracking progress and addressing new symptoms as they arise.

Conclusion

Hospital-Addiction Syndrome is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. Individuals suffering from HAS face deep psychological distress that compels them to seek medical attention, often at great personal and societal cost. Through proper diagnosis, psychotherapy, and structured medical interventions, patients can be guided toward healthier coping mechanisms and long-term recovery. Increasing awareness about HAS among healthcare professionals and the public is crucial to ensuring timely intervention and reducing the strain on medical resources. With continued research and a compassionate approach, effective strategies can be developed to support individuals with HAS while preventing unnecessary medical treatments and hospitalizations.