What is the first-line therapy for a patient diagnosed with factitious disorder?

The first-line therapy for a patient diagnosed with factitious disorder is psychotherapy. This approach is essential because factitious disorder involves individuals deliberately producing or exaggerating symptoms of illness to assume the "sick role." The underlying motivations often relate to a psychological need for attention or care, making psychotherapy a critical avenue for addressing these complex emotional and psychological issues.

Psychotherapy can help patients explore the root causes of their behavior, promote insight, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy may be particularly beneficial in challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with the disorder.

While medications, including antidepressants or antipsychotics, may be prescribed to address co-occurring mental health issues, they do not directly treat the core aspects of factitious disorder. Similarly, electroconvulsive therapy is typically reserved for severe and treatment-resistant mood disorders rather than factitious disorder itself. Thus, psychotherapy stands out as the primary treatment modality for this condition.