Which of the following signs may be seen in factitious disorder?

Factitious disorder is characterized by the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms. Individuals with this disorder deliberately induce injury or illness, but they do so for the purpose of assuming the role of a patient. This behavior is not motivated by external incentives, such as financial gain or avoidance of legal responsibilities, which distinguishes it from malingering.

In this context, the correct answer highlights the presence of false signs or symptoms and the purposeful induction of injury. This reflects the essence of factitious disorder, where the individual knowingly creates or exaggerates symptoms in order to receive medical attention and sympathy. The intent here is to fulfill a deep psychological need rather than to seek any tangible rewards.

The other options, while they may describe symptoms or behaviors present in other contexts, do not accurately encapsulate the intentional nature of symptom creation seen in factitious disorder. For example, true signs or symptoms might suggest genuine illness, which contradicts the essence of factitious disorder, and visible signs of distress or seeking immediate medical attention can occur in a wide range of health conditions, making them less specific to this particular disorder. Similarly, physical pain and acute withdrawal symptoms could indicate substance use disorders or other medical conditions, but they do not specifically characterize the deliberate manipulation of symptoms found