Munchausen syndrome is often diagnosed by process of elimination. Doctors must first rule out - through a variety of tests and procedures - any possible physical and mental illnesses. If the doctor finds no physical reason for the symptoms, he or she may then refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses.
The mental health professional will then submit the patient to a battery of interviews, tests and assessments to evaluate the patient's emotional functioning. Based on the exclusion of actual physical or other psychiatric disorders, and his or her observation of the patient’s attitude and behavior, a diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome will be made.