What is the primary behavior exhibited by individuals with factitious disorder?

Individuals with factitious disorder engage in the behavior of deliberately acting as if they have medical symptoms for the primary purpose of attracting attention. This can manifest in various ways, such as falsifying medical histories, exaggerating existing conditions, or even inducing symptoms by self-injury. The motivation behind these actions is often a deep psychological need for attention and sympathy rather than external incentives, like financial gain or avoiding responsibilities.

In contrast to other options, individuals with factitious disorder are not merely exaggerating symptoms or feigning illness for financial reasons. Their actions are driven by an internal need for validation or care from medical professionals, rather than for material benefits or genuine concerns about health. Understanding this distinction is crucial in recognizing the complex motivations that underpin factitious disorder, which sets it apart from conditions like malingering, where the intent is to achieve tangible rewards.