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, although they aren't actually ailing. People with Ganser syndrome imitate behaviors which might be typical of a mental illness, corresponding to schizophrenia.
People with factitious disorders behave in this manner out of an internal should be seen as sick or injured—moderately than for any clear profit, corresponding to financial gain. They are even willing to undergo painful or dangerous tests and surgeries to achieve the compassion and special attention given to actually 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 might be just like those of individuals with other serious mental illnesses. The person may appear confused, make absurd statements, and report hallucinations, corresponding to experiencing things that aren't 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 corresponding to the shortcoming to maneuver any a part of the body, which is 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, however it is believed to be a response to extreme stress. There are also physical problems that may cause the symptoms of Ganser syndrome, corresponding to alcoholism, head injuries and stroke.
Most individuals with this condition also suffer from a personality disorder, normally 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 evolve 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 depends upon 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 may 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, corresponding to a stroke or head injury, or other mental illness because the explanation for 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 using 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 cope with stresses as they arise.
Supportive psychotherapy (a type of counseling) and monitoring safety and reoccurrence of symptoms are the foremost treatments for Ganser syndrome. Medication is usually 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 isn't any known strategy to prevent this condition.