|
|
|
Basic InformationMore InformationLookupsLatest NewsGoogle Search Trends Suggest Mental Woes Vary by SeasonsU.S. Must Step Up Response to Vets, Report SaysNews Coverage of Shootings May Boost Stigma of Mental IllnessADHD Can Often Persist Into AdulthoodChildhood Bullying Linked to Adult Psychiatric OutcomesShared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and DepressionMarked Geographic Variation in Mental Health Medication UseSocial Withdrawal, Isolation Should Be Addressed in YoungMental Disorders Linked With Domestic Violence, Study SaysWorkplace Bullying Takes Toll on Witnesses Too, Study FindsADHD Can Cause Lifelong Problems, Study FindsConcerns for Long-Term Safety of Antipsychotics in Over 40sSAMHSA: Prevalence of Mental Illness in U.S. Stable in 2011Psychiatry Gets Revised Diagnostic ManualMental Illness Affects 1 in 5 U.S. Adults, Survey FindsLong-Term Use of Some Antipsychotics Not Warranted in Older Adults: StudyFor Many, 'Superstorm' Sandy Could Take Toll on Mental HealthDeployment Affects Mental Health of Relief WorkersPhysical Ailments Take Toll on Mental Health: StudySerious Mental Illness Tied to Higher Cancer, Injury Risk: StudiesAging Boomers' Mental Health Woes Will Swamp Health System: ReportFamily History of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder May Up Kids' Risk for AutismMental Health Woes Raise Odds for Prescription Painkiller Abuse Questions and AnswersLinksBook Reviews |
| |
Lying About IllnessTue, Jun 1st 2004I have a friend who claims to suffer from serious medical afflictions, primarily chronic kidney failure (culminating in the removal of her kidneys and bladder in 2002) and cancer (as a result of experimental medication she took related to the kidney disease). She has also had numerous illnesses (too numerous to mention) related to her condition or treatment thereof. Over the years I have known her, I (along with other acquaintances) have become increasingly suspicious of her claims - she has never allowed anyone to accompany her to the various hospitals, no one has ever met her doctors and she has been caught in several small lies. I am now 99% convinced that she is not as sick as she says she is, if at all. More recently, she began to suffer depression (she said that her adrenal glands had begun to bleed leading to a cortisol imbalance) and told me that she had been suicidal several times. I do believe that she may be depressed - she is very manipulative and her past behavior has engendered hostility from many of her colleagues/acquaintances. Her 2 closest friends (one of whom, I recently found, had similar doubts) have moved away and so I am her only friend at the moment. I am worried about what she may do, although it has entered my mind that she may be using this for manipulation. I have no idea how to handle the situation - I don't even know whether she is aware of her behavior. I'm not sure I could directly confront her - not only do I worry about exacerbating her depression, but I find confrontation very difficult. Also, going by past arguments/discussions, she adamantly refuses to admit she is wrong in anything, and reacts by "shutting down" and refusing to respond. I would appreciate any advice you could give on how I should deal with her in order to get her help. THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION WILL NOT BE DISPLAYED UNTIL YOU HAVE INDICATED YOUR AGREEMENT WITH THE DISCLAIMER PRINTED JUST BELOW. CLICK THE 'I AGREE' BUTTON TO AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND SEE THE RESPONSE.
- Dr. Dombeck responds to questions about psychotherapy and mental health problems, from the perspective of his training in clinical psychology.
- Dr. Dombeck intends his responses to provide general educational information to the readership of this website; answers should not be understood to be specific advice intended for any particular individual(s).
- Questions submitted to this column are not guaranteed to receive responses.
- No correspondence takes place.
- No ongoing relationship of any sort (including but not limited to any form of professional relationship) is implied or offered by Dr. Dombeck to people submitting questions.
- Dr. Dombeck, Mental Help Net and CenterSite, LLC make no warranties, express or implied, about the information presented in this column. Dr. Dombeck and Mental Help Net disclaim any and all merchantability or warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or liability in connection with the use or misuse of this service.
- Always consult with your psychotherapist, physician, or psychiatrist first before changing any aspect of your treatment regimen. Do not stop your medication or change the dose of your medication without first consulting with your physician.
|
