a severe and chronic form of factitious disorder characterized by repeated and elaborate fabrication of clinically convincing physical symptoms and a false medical and social history (see pseudologia fantastica). Other features are peregrination and recurrent hospitalization, and there may be multiple scars from previous (unnecessary) investigative surgery. The patient’s motivation is a psychological need to assume the sick role. See also pathomimicry. [Baron Karl Friedrich Hieronymus von Münchhausen (1720–1797), German soldier-adventurer famous for his tall tales but not for having the disorder itself]