6. Doctor Shopping: The Eternal Quest for a Fresh Audience
When it comes to choosing doctors, most people prefer sticking to a physician they trust. Munchausen patients, on the other hand, frequently switch doctors.
They are always on the lookout for a fresh set of ears to lend credibility to their fabricated or exaggerated symptoms. Loyalty to a healthcare provider is practically non-existent.
The act of ‘Doctor Shopping’ isn’t random; it’s a calculated move. By consulting different doctors for varied supposed ailments, they reduce the likelihood of any single physician catching onto their scheme. Each doctor sees just a part of the puzzle, making it hard to see the entire misleading picture.
Doctor shopping also serves another purpose: it allows the individual to gauge which healthcare provider is easiest to manipulate. Some doctors may be more skeptical, while others may be more empathetic and thus more likely to be influenced. For a Munchausen patient, it’s like window shopping for the perfect partner-in-crime, so to speak.
This endless cycle of switching doctors and healthcare facilities isn’t just mentally exhausting; it’s often financially draining. Despite the cost, emotional toll, and time commitment, the individual considers it worthwhile, reinforcing how deeply ingrained the need for attention or validation is. (6)
