Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a disorder that is related to malingering. However, a malingering client exaggerates or fakes symptoms in himself, while a client suffering from Munchausen syndrome by proxy creates an illness in her own child or other dependent relative.
The disorder is not officially recognized in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed.), but is generally recognized by the psychological community. Most often, a physical illness is gradually induced, but in some cases the parent claims that the child has a psychiatric disorder instead.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is quite rare and can be difficult to diagnose. Many of the signs, such as strange physical symptoms in a child that seem to come and go, can also be explained by rare organic illnesses with which the doctor may be unfamiliar. Ethical diagnosis requires a careful review of the child’s medical records and family history, as well as examination of the current family dynamics.
