DECEPTION IN ILLNESS: CASE SERIES ON FACTITIOUS DISORDER IN THREE YOUNG FEMALES.

Introduction: Factitious disorder, due to their tendency to have varied presentations, are often well masque in adolescents and young adults. Underlying these presentations typically are psychosocial stresses such as conflicts, interpersonal relationship pressures and scholastic responsibilities, making timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention crucial. Factitious disorders are less prevalent in clinical practice and therefore harder to estimate in general population, especially in uncommon age group and well-adjusted personalities, which make this series unique. Method: The subjects in the following clinical assessment are one 22-year-old and two 16-year-old females. A complete clinical interview, psychosocial assessment and an ICD-10-based evaluation was carried out. The psychological intervention consisted of psychoeducation, psychotherapy and family counselling. Results: All cases involve significant stressors that influenced symptom fabrication. In one case, significant interpersonal conflict with a family member led to self-inflicted injuries explained as animal bites. In another, academic pressures and bullying manifested as self-induced vomiting. Finally, conflict with father led to self-induced mouth bleeding. Management strategies involve risk reduction, addressing psychological and social dimensions of distress, resulting in symptom resolution and improved coping skills. Conclusion: Factitious disorders in youth are uncommon and understudied. This series emphasizes on necessity of early identification and multidisciplinary interventions. Sociocultural milieu needs further exploration to enhance prevention and treatment strategies.