Munchausen syndrome by proxy

American  

noun

1. Psychiatry. a form of Munchausen syndrome in which a person induces or claims to observe a disease in another, usually a close relative, in order to attract the doctor's attention to herself or himself.

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Example Sentences

Blanchard was a longtime victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2024

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

Experts have said Gypsy likely was the victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a mental disorder in which a caretaker induces or fabricates illness in another person to gain attention or sympathy.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2019

Dear Button, Your mother may be the progenitor of a new psychiatric illness: Instead of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, let’s call it Wildenstein syndrome by proxy.

From Slate • May 10, 2012