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

Her 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, said her trial attorney, Michael Stanfield.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2023

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

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

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