The term used to describe the practice of faking or exaggerating symptoms for some kind of personal gain. It is sometimes confused with hypochondriasis. Those with hypochondriasis, however, actually experience the described symptoms, while those who are malingering do not experience the symptoms to the level that they claim. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a dangerous related condition in which a parent or other caregiver fakes or even causes an illness in someone who is in his or her care.
The motivation for malingering can vary widely between clients. Some are seeking financial benefits, such as disability pay, others are looking for sympathy, and still others may be attempting to get prescription drugs.
Determining whether a client is malingering or suffering from a somatoform disorder such as hypochondriasis can be difficult. Mental health professionals must be careful to weigh all of the evidence and not jump to conclusions.
