Which disorder is characterized by symptoms caused by stress and is often mistakenly believed to be true medical conditions?

The correct choice is based on the defining characteristics of factitious disorder. This disorder involves the intentional production or feigning of physical or psychological symptoms for the primary purpose of assuming the patient role. Unlike malingering, where the individual feigns illness for an obvious external reward (such as financial gain), factitious disorder is not motivated by such rewards. Instead, the person might experience a psychological need to be seen as unwell.

Individuals with factitious disorder often present symptoms that can mimic actual medical conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and the belief that they are suffering from real illnesses, even though the symptoms are under voluntary control or fabricated. This misunderstanding can contribute to significant challenges in medical settings, as healthcare providers may be led to undertake unnecessary treatments or interventions based on the misleading presentation of symptoms.

Other disorders presented in the options deal with physical symptoms stemming from the mind, but factitious disorder specifically emphasizes the intentional aspect of symptom creation, distinguishing it from conditions such as hypochondriasis and somatization, which involve genuine distress about health or bodily experiences without the intent to deceive.