GALEN: HOW TO DETECT DECEPTION

Ed. Chart. VIII. [917. 918.], Ed. Basel III. (369.)

...logical reasoning, which is the same as considering what is suspected, is useful for the diagnosis of intense pain. One can also use the ease of bearing a condition original: "euphorian" as a sign that the pain is not severe. This often happens because those pretending to be in severe pain do not think clearly. They throw themselves into one posture after another. They pretend to be in distress because of the greatness of the pain. Furthermore, if they are truly in severe pain, they are ready to endure any remedy. They are the first to call upon the doctors. They ask the doctors to do whatever they wish so that the condition might be cured. However, if they are in moderate pain or no pain at all, they shrink away from such remedies. They do not endure long fasting original: "asitias" [918] or the application of harsh medicines. We must tell these people that these are the only things that will heal such conditions when they say they are in severe pain. We should also mention surgeries original: "tomas", meaning incisions or cuttings and cauterizations original: "kauseis", meaning burning the skin with a hot iron or caustic substance. We also suggest the total withdrawal of all drink and food if we see they are overcome by their appetites. Those, then, who pretend to be in severe pain...

...when combined with reasoning, it is sufficient for the diagnosis of strong pain. A person can judge that a pain is not intense if the patient bears the disease calmly. This often happens because those who fake the severity of a disease do not pay attention. Those who are truly suffering are driven by the magnitude of the pain to shift from one position to another. Moreover, if they are truly pressed by intense pain, they are ready to suffer any help. They even urge the doctors to do whatever they please to cure the affliction. But if they feel only moderate pain, or none at all, they flee from such aids. They do not endure long fasts or the offering of biting medicines. We must tell them that these are the only things that help such conditions when they claim they are suffering severely. We should suggest surgeries, burnings, and abstinence from all food and drink for which we see they have a longing. Therefore, for those faking the magnitude of pain...