What Is Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome?
Munchausen Syndrome, which takes its name from a German officer known for telling outrageous stories, is a psychological disorder in which the sufferer fakes or induces illness in order to garner comfort and nurturing from friends, family, and healthcare workers. In Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, a related illness, a caregiver induces illness in another individual to gain sympathy as the caretaker of a sick individual. Most commonly, Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome is seen in mothers who induce illness in their children. Also known as fabricated and induced illness (FII), Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome is a form of child abuse. Most commonly, mothers suffering from Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome induce or feign physical illness in their children. However, in some cases, the mother emotionally abuses the child in order to induce psychiatric illness.
