Ganser syndrome is a rare and somewhat controversial diagnosis. It was first described by Siegbert Ganser in 1898 and is typically known as “prison psychosis” since it was first observed in prisoners. In this condition, an individual consciously and consciously behaves as in the event that they are physically or mentally ailing, despite the fact that they are usually not actually ailing. People with Ganser syndrome imitate behaviors which can be typical of a mental illness, similar to schizophrenia.
People with factitious disorders behave in this fashion out of an internal should be seen as sick or injured—quite than for any clear profit, similar to financial gain. They are even willing to undergo painful or dangerous tests and surgeries to achieve the compassion and special attention given to really sick people. Factitious disorders are technically considered mental illnesses because they involve severe emotional difficulties.
People with Ganser syndrome exhibit short-term episodes of strange behavior which can be just like those of individuals with other serious mental illnesses. The person may appear confused, make absurd statements, and report hallucinations, similar to experiencing things that are usually not there or hearing voices. A classic symptom of Ganser syndrome is talk past. The person gives nonsensical answers to easy questions. In addition, an individual with this condition may report physical problems similar to the shortcoming to maneuver any a part of the body, which known as “hysterical paralysis.” Loss of memory (amnesia) of the events that occurred during an episode is common.
Little is understood about this unusual disorder, but it surely is believed to be a response to extreme stress. There are also physical problems that may cause the symptoms of Ganser syndrome, similar to alcoholism, head injuries and stroke.
Most individuals with this condition also suffer from a personality disorder, often antisocial personality disorder or histrionic personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is characterised by irresponsible and aggressive behavior, often accompanied by a disregard for others and an inability to adapt to society's rules. People with antisocial personality disorder are sometimes known as “sociopaths” or “psychopaths.” For individuals with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem is determined by the approval of others and doesn't arise from real self-esteem. They have an awesome desire to be noticed and infrequently behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention.
Ganser syndrome could be very rare. It is more common in men than women and occurs mostly in late teens and early maturity.
Diagnosing Ganser syndrome is difficult. Before considering a diagnosis of Ganser syndrome, doctors must rule out possible physical problems, similar to a stroke or head injury, or other mental illness because the reason behind the symptoms.
If the doctor cannot discover a physical reason for the symptoms, she or he may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who're specifically trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interviews and assessment tools to screen an individual for psychiatric disorders. The doctor bases his diagnosis on the usage of these tools in addition to the exclusion of other physical or mental illnesses and remark of the patient's attitude and behavior.
It is difficult to predict whether and when the symptoms of Ganser syndrome will disappear. This is partially because individuals with Ganser syndrome often exhibit false symptoms not only in response to a stressful event, but additionally since the condition often reflects an individual's limited ability to effectively take care of stresses as they arise.
Supportive psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and monitoring safety and reoccurrence of symptoms are the essential treatments for Ganser syndrome. Medication is often not used unless the person also suffers from depression, anxiety, or psychosis.
It is difficult to predict whether and when the symptoms of Ganser syndrome will disappear. The likelihood of recovery from Ganser syndrome can vary greatly depending on whether the symptoms appeared suddenly in response to a stressful experience or reflect a longer-term pattern.
There is not any known method to prevent this condition.