Psychiatrycels discuss the mayo foid illness fakers / trans question. There's a really good comment from a yt woman explaining what's happening.

Seen here

https://old.reddit.com/r/redscarepod/comments/1fl8vsz/_/

Other discussions

https://old.reddit.com/r/4tran4/comments/1fkjvvg/wake_up_babe_new_female_hysteria_diagnosis_just/

https://old.reddit.com/r/DrWillPowers/comments/1fj2osd/why_am_i_seeing_an_increase_in_patients_with_the/

I haven't read through those yet. Probably some good cope and seethe. But here's the yt Queen explaining what's going on with these crackas. Basically what many of us say on here daily, but she explains it very well

https://old.reddit.com/r/Psychiatry/comments/1fh6oya/why_am_i_seeing_an_increase_in_patients_with_the/ln7y1ij/?context=8

What about socioeconomic commonalities? Are any of these pts verbalizing dissatisfaction with their living situations, finances, etc.? Are they in toxic or distressing situations? Are they physically socially isolated and most of their human interaction is in digital spaces? Do they have meaningful relationships, hobbies, interests, careers?

Also, have you seen /r/illnessfakers?

I am NOT saying your patients are faking or that anyone is faking. But I think online information has influenced a cohort of dissatisfied and somewhat distressed "walking well" (primarily) women into seeking an identity that simultaneously offers them the dichotomy of fitting in (now they're part of the "sick" community) as well as a sense of otherness (being "different" for having a collection of Dx and all that entails on paper). It's attention seeking but also validating as various symptoms, emotional outbursts, difficult behavior can be filed under the heading of ____ Dx, and if the patient chooses not to adjust behavior, make lifestyle changes, or learn to cope, now they can just blame the Dx.

Some of these patients genuinely feel unhappy, dissatisfied, and are physically unwell. They feel tired, unmotivated, and vaguely hopeless. Many of them are sedentary and stopped playing youth sports (which was helpful when they were younger for myriad reasons). They don't have long term goals or ambitious prospects. They're lonely, usually isolated, and are seeking explanations for why day-to-day life feels difficult and why they can't get along.

The label of a Dx provides entry into a new community. A sense of purpose, belonging, and a reason that can be named to explain / blame any unpleasant behavior or personality issues.

I think this type of patient suggests a larger societal problem where we are raising young people who feel hopeless, overwhelmed, anxious, and alone, are desperate for inclusion but also desperate to be "special."

One of my colleagues says that we've solved many of life's major problems but human wiring hasn't caught up. Most of these patients have always had access to clean water, safe, reliable shelter and food, and have not been raised in a war zone. Decent, average family, free from abuse or any extreme situation. No history of trauma. But human development is based on problem solving and we evolved with fear and anxiety responses to keep up safe and alert. Without "real problems" to solve or "real danger" to evade, modern minds are over analyzing and over worrying about small issues and evoking anxiety type responses. Thus, that one time a person felt dizzy becomes a new complaint and they end up seeing three specialists about it and they develop anxiety about it happening again or signifying a more serious problem. In absence of bigger issues to stress over, minor issues get over emphasized. In a world where medical professionals are beholden to insurance and admin, and terrified of getting sued, it's easier to order more tests and send this person down the path of validation as some diagnosis will eventually be met with the excessive workup.

I think a lot of people want an identity of having overcome a struggle without having faced an actual struggle. It's cool to have overcome hardship. White women from middle class families aren't special now but being "sick" makes you special. It also offers entry into supportive, welcoming spaces and for someone seeking a sense of belonging and otherness, with a reason to explain / excuse shitty behavior, it's ideal. It's the super Walmart of maladaptive coping, it has everything.

Can we put this Queen in charge of the mayo foid labor camps? She can them into shape.