Abstract
We investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics associated with the use of aliases within a population attending a psychiatric unit over a 12-year period. The use of aliases was uncommonly recognised (0.7%). Alias users tended to be young. Many were non-nationals (43%). Identification usually occurred early in the admission and was often by self-admission (37%). A broad range of underlying diagnoses were noted with schizophrenia (31 %) and factitious disorder (22%) most common. A previous psychiatric (85%) or forensic history (30%) was frequently noted. Recurrence was noted in one third of cases and was significantly associated with a diagnosis of factitious disorder.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 324-327 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Psychopathology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |