Epileptic Munchausen's syndrome: a form of pseudoseizures distinct from hysteria and malingering.

A young woman with seizures and status epilepticus sought and obtained hospitalization in at least 25 hospitals in the province of Quebec between 1980 and 1987. She was thought to have uncontrolled epilepsy; her treatment led to intoxication with anticonvulsants and once to anesthesia for three consecutive periods of 7 days each. The nonepileptic nature of her attacks was proven and a diagnosis of Munchausen's syndrome made. She was transferred to a psychiatric center where she committed suicide. We found no documented cases of epileptic chronic factitious disorder in the literature.