What differentiates malingering from factitious disorder?

Malingering is characterized by an individual deliberately feigning or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of achieving a specific external goal, such as financial compensation, evading responsibilities, or obtaining drugs. This external motivation is the key differentiator from factitious disorder, where patients intentionally produce or feign symptoms not for any external incentive but to assume the "sick role" and obtain psychological support or care.

In contrast to malingering, individuals with factitious disorder may experience a deep-seated need for attention and sympathy, and their motivations are intrinsically linked to their psychological state rather than external rewards. The lack of an external gain distinctly separates these two conditions, underscoring why the correct answer focuses on the aspect of seeking external gain in malingering as opposed to the underlying psychological needs seen in factitious disorder.