Which syndrome involves a caregiver inducing illness in another person for attention?

Which syndrome involves a caregiver inducing illness in another person for attention?

• A. Factitious disorder
• B. Münchausen syndrome by proxy
• C. Somatic symptom disorder
• D. Dependent personality disorder

Answer: (B)

Münchausen syndrome by proxy is characterized by a caregiver intentionally inducing or fabricating illness in another person, often a child, to gain attention and sympathy. This behavior is rooted in the caregiver's desire to assume the role of a helpful and caring figure while simultaneously creating a situation where they can receive support and admiration from others, such as medical professionals or family members. The syndrome often involves deception and manipulation, which can lead to unnecessary medical procedures and interventions for the victim. Factitious disorder refers to an individual who deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms of illness in themselves, but does not involve another person being harmed. Somatic symptom disorder is related to the experience of physical symptoms that are distressing and may or may not have a clear medical explanation, but it does not involve deception or attention-seeking behavior in the context of inducing illness in another. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of dependence on others, but it does not involve the deliberate induction of illness. Thus, Münchausen syndrome by proxy is the correct choice because it specifically pertains to the behavior of a caregiver inducing illness in another person for attention.

Münchausen syndrome by proxy is characterized by a caregiver intentionally inducing or fabricating illness in another person, often a child, to gain attention and sympathy. This behavior is rooted in the caregiver's desire to assume the role of a helpful and caring figure while simultaneously creating a situation where they can receive support and admiration from others, such as medical professionals or family members. The syndrome often involves deception and manipulation, which can lead to unnecessary medical procedures and interventions for the victim.

Factitious disorder refers to an individual who deliberately produces or exaggerates symptoms of illness in themselves, but does not involve another person being harmed. Somatic symptom disorder is related to the experience of physical symptoms that are distressing and may or may not have a clear medical explanation, but it does not involve deception or attention-seeking behavior in the context of inducing illness in another. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of dependence on others, but it does not involve the deliberate induction of illness.

Thus, Münchausen syndrome by proxy is the correct choice because it specifically pertains to the behavior of a caregiver inducing illness in another person for attention.