Factitious Disorder

Factitious disorder imposed on another, formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, is a mental health condition where you claim that someone within your care needs medical attention even though they don’t. A person within your care could be a child (usually under the age of 6), a person with disabilities or an adult over age 65, for example.

Making false medical claims can be dangerous. It can lead to unnecessary medical tests and even risky procedures while the healthcare team tries to figure out what’s wrong.

This condition is a type of factitious disorder. It’s also a form of abuse. Help is available for both the person diagnosed with FDIA and the victim.

How common is factitious disorder imposed on another?

Factitious disorder imposed on another isn’t common. And there aren’t any reliable statistics regarding the number of people in the United States who have this condition. It’s difficult to assess the frequency because many cases go undetected.

Was factitious disorder imposed on another previously called Munchausen syndrome by proxy?

Yes. In the past, factitious disorder imposed on another was called Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This name referred to a historical figure named Baron Munchausen, who was known for exaggerated stories. The change provides a more accurate description of a person’s behavior.