7. Inconsistent Medical History: The Shifting Sands of Deception
A consistent medical history is usually the cornerstone of effective healthcare. But with Munchausen patients, the stories shift like sands in a desert. One day it’s a cardiac issue, and the next, it could be a rare genetic disorder. The narrative evolves, making it challenging for healthcare providers to pin down an accurate diagnosis.
When inconsistencies in their stories are identified, rather than owning up, they might double down with more elaborate tales. Sometimes, however, they might crumble under the scrutiny, offering more modest symptoms or retracting certain elements of their history. It’s a fluctuating scale of deception that can be both frustrating and puzzling for clinicians.
Many of these inconsistencies could be easily caught if the individual had a long-term relationship with a healthcare provider. But because they often shift providers, these inconsistencies remain hidden, allowing them to continue their deceptions in plain sight. (7)
