Lying for attention
Question
I've only known one of my university housemates for three months, but I think she's lying to me and the rest of my housemates for attention and I want to know how to help her. We've heard how she's been raped twice, had an abortion, became pregnant again at university while she was on the pill and then had a miscarriage.
She's told us she had an operation to remove a cancerous ovary, yet she refuses to show us her scar. I've since seen a form she filled out where she said she's never had an operation. After one of my housemate's friends died in a car crash, she told us she also had a friend who was in a hit-and-run accident. I've done a bit of research and I'm wondering if she has Munchausen syndrome?
Answer
It sounds like your housemate has been going through a difficult time recently and it must be hard trying to support her when you feel she's lying about the events she speaks about.
It's hard to say if your housemate is lying about her experiences, such as having an operation, abortion and miscarriage. As you may already know, Munchausen Syndrome is an extreme form of factitious disorder, in which patients present faked or simulated illnesses. In terms of helping your housemate, it may be useful for both of you if you simply express your concerns about her behaviour.
By giving her time, patience and understanding, she may feel comfortable exploring her issues a little more, enabling you to better your own understanding of what she is going through. This may help you and the rest of your housemates find it easier to support her. There may be underlying reasons for her attention seeking behaviour, stemming from family or relationship problems, stress or maybe even a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety.
Diagnosis and treatment of syndromes such as Munchausen's can be difficult due to their nature. Sometimes people can react in a very defensive manner when confronted about their behaviour. The first step to seeking help with any type of illness is to approach a doctor (GP) but your housemate may not be ready to do this.
If you would like to talk to someone about your concerns for her mental wellbeing, SANELINE is a national mental health helpline offering confidential emotional support and information to anyone experiencing mental health problems. If you feel this could help, you can get in touch by calling 0845 767 8000. If you feel your housemate may find this support helpful, it may be worth gently encouraging her to call, too.
Updated: 03/06/2011
Question answered by SANE
