Description of Munchausen syndrome
Descripción del síndrome de Münchhausen
- Date
- 1951 · confidence high
- Place
- London, England, United Kingdom
- Credited to
- Richard Asher
- Field
- Life & health
What was discovered
In an article published in 'The Lancet' in February 1951, physician Richard Asher coined the term 'Munchausen syndrome' to describe patients who fabricate or induce symptoms of illness in themselves, drawing on the name of the fabulist baron. Using a literary reference for a serious disorder sparked controversy for decades and eventually gave way to the current clinical term, 'factitious disorder imposed on self'.
The source consulted does not precisely confirm the city; Asher was practicing in London at that time.
What it led to
- Clinical recognition of factitious disorder
- Adoption of the term 'factitious disorder imposed on self' in modern diagnostic manuals
Built on
- Ancient descriptions of feigned illness (Galen, 2nd century)
- Karl Menninger's observations on compulsively sought unnecessary surgeries (1930s)