Which disorder involves feigning symptoms for external rewards?

• A. Malingering
• B. Factitious Disorder
• C. Somatic Symptom Disorder
• D. Illness Anxiety Disorder

Answer: (A)

Feigned symptoms for an external reward is the hallmark of malingering. In malingering, a person intentionally fabricates or exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms to obtain concrete benefits—such as financial compensation, time off work, avoiding duties, or access to medications. This motivation is external and tangible, which sets it apart from other conditions.

By contrast, factitious disorder involves deception to assume the sick role but driven by internal psychological needs rather than external gains. Somatic Symptom Disorder revolves around real distress from physical symptoms and excessive worry about health, not intentional fabrication. Illness Anxiety Disorder emphasizes preoccupation with having a serious illness without significant somatic symptoms, again not about feigning.