Taken from bizarre cases of real patients, Playing Sick? is the first book to chronicle the devastating impact of phony illnesses—factitious disorders and Munchausen syndrome—on patients and caregivers alike. Based on years of research and clinical practice, Playing Sick? provides the clues that can help practitioners and family members recognize these disorders, avoid invasive procedures, and sort out the motives that drive people to hurt themselves and deceive others. With insight and years of hands-on experience, Feldman shows how to get these emotionally ill patients the psychiatric help they need.