Adrianna Biecka

Background: Munchausen Syndrome, classified as a factitious disorder, is a psychiatric condition in which individuals deliberately fabricate or induce medical symptoms to assume the role of a patient. Despite its rarity, the disorder poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its deceptive nature and frequent comorbid psychiatric conditions. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medical procedures, increased healthcare costs, and delayed psychiatric intervention. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the syndrome, emphasizing its epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Keywords such as "Munchausen Syndrome," "factitious disorder," and "psychiatric deception" were used to identify relevant publications. Twenty four articles were selected based on their relevance to the disorder’s epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment. Case reports, retrospective studies, and systematic reviews were analyzed to synthesize current knowledge on the syndrome. Conclusions: Munchausen Syndrome remains a complex and underdiagnosed disorder that requires increased awareness among medical professionals. Diagnosis relies on identifying behavioral patterns and ruling out genuine medical conditions, while treatment focuses on psychotherapeutic intervention, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Although pharmacotherapy does not directly address the syndrome, it may be beneficial in managing co-occurring psychiatric conditions. A multidisciplinary approach, including structured medical oversight and improved communication between healthcare providers, is crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing unnecessary medical interventions.

Background: Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a cure for various diseases. The term “ginseng” is a popular name for herbal drugs that are based on the roots of several distinct species of plants, mainly Korean or Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). In this study, we aimed to analyze the health benefits of ginseng. Materials and methods: We analyzed publications found in PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected on the basis of keywords such as “ginseng’’, “Panax ginseng”, “ginsenosides”, and “health benefits”. For the final analysis, the eligible articles were published from 2010--2024. Results: All of the research findings regarding the benefits of ginseng on cognitive function are consistent with their results. Ginseng supplementation has a positive effect on cognition in humans. Seniors are the group of patients who benefit the most from ginseng. Additionally, studies have suggested positive effects on obesity, coronary disease and diabetes. Conclusions: Panax ginseng supplementation can be recommended for patients, as it seems to be relatively safe for them and has several positive effects on health. Further studies are needed to investigate the influence on human health better.

Background: Sport psychiatry is a dynamic and constantly developing discipline of medicine. Professional athletes may experience a variety of mental health problems that influence their everyday life and sport performance. Therefore, the potential risk factors for developing mental disease should be known to coaches and physicians to provide adequate help for athletes. Materials and methods: We reviewed publications obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar. Articles were selected on the basis of keywords such as “sport psychiatry”, “mental health in athletes”, and “depression in professional sport”. For the final analysis, the eligible articles were published from 2015--2024. Results: The prevalence of mental disorders varied across the analyzed studies. The presence of symptoms depends on the type of sport performed by the individual, past history of psychiatric diseases or sex. Additionally, studies have used different types of evaluation tools, which may influence the results. Conclusions: Mental health diseases are present in this group, in some cases more frequently than in the general population. Professional athletes should be watched carefully for the potential development of psychiatric symptoms, especially in the most vulnerable groups. There is also a need for further studies with validated athlete research tools for more reliable results.