Hannah's doctors are convinced that her physical symptoms are not real, but they cannot decide whether this is an instance of malingering or factitious disorder. what factor will best them to choose between these two possibilities?

In the scenario in which Hannah's doctors are convinced that her physical symptoms are not real, but they cannot decide whether this is an instance of malingering or factitious disorder answering the question whether she is achieving some specific external gain will best help them to choose between these two possibilities.

The correct answer is: whether she is achieving some specific external gain.

Malingering refers to the phenomenon where an individual pretends to be unwell in order to escape work, skip school, or other reasons motivated by external gain. Factitious disorder on the other hand refers to when an individual exaggerates or pretends to be ill in order to gain sympathy and attention from others. Malingering is motivated by achieving some external gains, however, factitious disorder is not motivated by the same.