Because patients with factitious disorders create their own symptoms, the condition affects all patients differently. However, there are warning signs that may indicate the presence of a factitious disorder to a physician. These include a patient history of dramatic symptoms that are not part of a consistent medical history. Symptoms also tend to resist treatment or may become more severe after treatment has begun.

Patients may also suffer predictable relapses following improvement of their condition or may complain of new symptoms that occur despite negative test results.

Other possible indicators of factitious disorders include:

• Dramatic but inconsistent medical history and symptoms
  
  
• Extensive patient knowledge of medical terminology
  
  
• Presence of numerous surgical scars
  
  
• Symptoms that consistently appear only when the patient is alone or unobserved
  
  
• Unusual level of comfort or lack of anxiety when faced with the possibility of painful or invasive procedures
  
  
• History of seeking treatment in numerous hospitals, clinics and physician’s offices
  
  
• Patient reluctance to allow healthcare professionals to consult with family members, friends and other healthcare providers

Patients with factitious disorders usually suffer from other mental disorders, particularly personality disorders. They are also at greater risk for depression, substance abuse and thoughts of suicide. They are particularly likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders. In many cases, patients with factitious disorders find it difficult to maintain employment or intimate personal relationships.