Munchausen syndrome

American  

[muhn-chou-zuhn sin-drohm, muhnch-hou-zuhn] / ˈmʌnˌtʃaʊ zən ˌsɪn droʊm, ˈmʌntʃˌhaʊ zən /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. a factitious disorder in which otherwise healthy individuals seek to hospitalize themselves with feigned or self-induced pathology in order to receive surgical or other medical treatment.

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Etymology

Origin of Munchausen syndrome

1950–55; named after Baron von Münchhausen ( def. ), whose fictionalized accounts of his own experiences suggest symptoms of the disorder

Example Sentences

Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s attorney said the mother had Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a psychological disorder in which parents or caregivers seek sympathy through the exaggerated or made-up illnesses of their children.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 2, 2024

Hospital staff suspected that her mother was exaggerating the symptoms and demanding high doses of ketamine and sedatives as part of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, according to the Daily Mail.

From Washington Times • Nov. 9, 2023

Prof Marc Feldman is one of the world's most renowned experts on factitious disorders like Munchausen syndrome.

From BBC • May 7, 2023

Their psychological issues included "post-traumatic stress disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Munchausen syndrome by proxy."

From Salon • Nov. 16, 2021

The Dr. Oz Show How olives can keep one looking young; a carb that can reduce aging; Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2016