Journal Published Online: 01 January 1987
Volume 32, Issue 1

Suicide Disguised as Murder: A Dimension of Munchausen Syndrome

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

This case study reports on a suicide made to look like murder. The case highlights the issue of false claims of criminal victimization and suggests the need for a reexamination of the dynamics of factitious allegations of criminal victimization. Factitious complaints of mental or physical illness are typically self-reported to psychiatric or medical authorities. This paper illustrates a different kind of phenomenon: one in which an injury or disorder is brought to medical attention by way of the police, who report the death or injury as arising from criminal victimization.

Author Information

McDowell, CP
Headquarters, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JFS12352J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12352J