Which diagnosis characterizes a patient with unexplained physical symptoms related to a worker's compensation case?

The diagnosis that best characterizes a patient with unexplained physical symptoms in relation to a worker's compensation case is malingering. Malingering involves a deliberate fabrication or exaggeration of physical or psychological symptoms for an external incentive, such as financial compensation or avoiding work responsibilities. In the context of a worker's compensation case, the motivation for a patient to present with these symptoms is often tied to the potential gain they could receive from the compensation system.

In contrast, conversion disorder and somatic symptom and related disorders involve the presence of physical symptoms that arise from psychological issues, but without the conscious intent to deceive. Factitious disorder also involves the intentional production of symptoms, but the motivation is to assume the sick role rather than for an external reward. Each of these conditions reflects different underlying motivations and psychological processes compared to malingering, which is specifically about obtaining tangible benefits through deception.