TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - We cannot deny that most of us often malinger to avoid work, classes, or simply to free ourselves from daily chores.
Malingering, as described by psychiatrist Dr. Andri SpKJ FAPM from Klinik Psikosomatik in his journal titled ‘Malingering or pretending to be sick’, cannot be considered as a mental disorder.
As mentioned in the latest edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM-5 issued by the American Psychiatric Association, malingering is included in a code V as one of the conditions that might need a clinical attention.
“The motivation for malingering tends to be externally motivated such as to avoid military service, receive financial compensations, evade criminal charges, or obtain illegal drugs,” Andri wrote.
In short, malingering is an intentional behavior for a known external purpose. This cannot be considered as a mental disorder or psychopathology, even though it happens in the context of other mental disorders.
According to the DSM-5, there are four signs someone is malingering.
1. Medicolegal problems, such as an attorney referring their patient, a patient looking for injury compensation.
2. The difference in a subject’s claims and objective findings.
3. The lack of teamwork during an evaluation and in obeying a prescribed treatment.
4. The existence of antisocial personality disorder.
SUSANDIJANI
