Dissimulation

Dissimulation is the intentional downplaying or hiding signs of illness ( symptoms ) in order to be considered healthy. It is the antonym for simulation, aware of when signs of illness and are deliberately faked. Both defenses is a social moment together, which is called in the case of simulation as a gain from illness. In the case of dissimulation, the patient usually tries to maintain his self-image. This is often referred to as anosognosia.

Examples

The reasons are often social in nature. Thus, for example,

• A child trying to hide fever, to be allowed to drive to class,
• A driver who conceal an epileptic seizure, not to be incapacitated,
• Diarrhea conceal a cook to work may
• An athlete in the Vorstartkontrolle injury or illness to conceal, to participate in the competition, etc. can

Furthermore, symptoms may be hidden, " to save face " or not to be stigmatized:

• Anginal attack with a birthday
• Hallucinations silent in order not to be considered as " crazy,"
• Lesions in AIDS.

Other reasons occur in mental illness, so that when a psychosis suicidal ideation can be concealed in order to be released from the hospital.

Related terms

• Malingerer
• Aggravation
• Anosognosia