The key difference between Malingering and Factitious Disorder is what?

The distinction between Malingering and Factitious Disorder primarily hinges on the motivations behind the intentional production of symptoms. In Malingering, individuals consciously fabricate or exaggerate symptoms with the clear goal of achieving some form of personal gain, such as avoiding work, obtaining financial compensation, or evading legal consequences.

In contrast, Factitious Disorder involves the intentional production of physical or psychological symptoms, but the motivation is not for external gain. Instead, individuals with Factitious Disorder may seek the attention, care, or sympathy that comes from being in the sick role. Their motivation revolves around the psychological need to assume the role of a patient rather than any tangible reward.

The presence or absence of physical symptoms doesn't differentiate the two disorders significantly, as both can present with a variety of symptoms. Similarly, the use of medication to enhance symptoms is not a defining characteristic of either condition. Lastly, while social factors may influence both conditions, they do not serve to delineate them, as the underlying motivations are fundamentally different. Thus, understanding the intentions behind the symptoms is crucial in differentiating Malingering from Factitious Disorder.