Malingering versus dissociative disorder: A clinical dilemma!!

Malingering and dissociation coincide with the mode of presentation. Dissociation and attention‑deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can coexist due to their similar etiology. We report a case of dissociative disorder in a boy with ADHD presenting with sudden visual diminution. To our knowledge, though common, such case has not been reported in the literature. A 9‑year‑old boy, a case of ADHD on atomoxetine (25 mg) and risperidone (0.25 mg), was brought by his apprehensive mother, with sudden diminution of vision in his right eye for 1 week. On examination, his visual acuity was 20/120 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye, even on repeating with various charts. His anterior segment, fundus, and cycloplegic retinoscopy were normal. Visually evoked potential was normal in both the eyes. With a suspicion of malingering, +20D in front of the left eye. The test was positive for malingering, and the mother was reassured. The kid was sent to the psychiatry department for further counseling. They diagnosed it as a dissociative disorder. Simple tests for malingering still have an important role in ophthalmology. Children cannot be underestimated in their ability to malinger, but at the same time, dissociative disorder should be borne in mind before labeling a patient as a case of malingering. Because once the label of malingering is given, then it is a human tendency to form a prejudice idea about that patient and later that the patient would not get proper medical assistance