Monsters in the Closet : Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Pediatric Care

Definition Munchausen syndrome is referred to by several different names, including Münchhausen syndrome, fabricated illness, and hospital addiction syndrome. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) designates this condition as “factitious disorder.” The term “factitious” describes symptoms that are artificially produced rather than the result of a natural process. Findings range from fabrication of subjective complaints to self-inflicted conditions and exaggeration or exacerbation of preexisting medical disorders. Motivations for this bizarre behavior continue to puzzle both medical and mental health professionals, but patients have in common a profound psychological need to assume the sick role and do so in the absence of external incentives for the behavior, such as economic Laura Criddle, RN, PhD, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CCNS Monsters in the Closet: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Pediatric Care