As mentioned, treating Munchausen's syndrome can be very difficult as most people with the condition will refuse to admit they have a problem and will not co-operate with suggested treatment plans.

Because of this, some experts have suggested that health professionals adopt a gentle, non-confrontational approach. So rather than directly accuse a person of lying, they may gently suggest that they have complex health needs that may benefit from a referral to a psychiatrist. Still, even with this approach, many people refuse, or simply move to another area.

For people who do admit they have a problem, and co-operate with treatment, it may be possible to help them control the symptoms of Munchausen's syndrome.

There is no standard treatment for the condition, but a combination of psychoanalysis and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has proved relatively successful in helping people control their symptoms.

Psychoanalysis is a type of psychotherapy that is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud. Freud suggested that unconscious beliefs or motivations, often formed during early childhood, can lay at the root of many psychological conditions. Psychoanalysis attempts to uncover and then resolve these unconscious beliefs and motivations.

CBT works by helping people to identify any unhelpful and unrealistic beliefs and behavioural patterns they may have. The therapist then shows them ways in which they can replace these beliefs with more realistic and balanced ones.