2025 ICD-10-CM code F68.A
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders - Disorders of adult personality and behavior 6 Feed
Factitious disorder imposed on another (formerly Munchausen syndrome by proxy).A mental illness where an individual falsely claims another person, often a child, has a physical or psychological illness to deceive others.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a diagnosed mental disorder requiring specialized mental health evaluation and treatment. Factitious disorder imposed on another can have serious consequences for both the perpetrator and the victim, leading to unnecessary medical interventions, psychological harm, and even physical danger.Therefore, accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention are medically necessary to protect the well-being of all involved.
Clinicians must conduct a thorough evaluation involving patient history, symptoms, mental examination, review of medical records, and possibly consultation with other healthcare professionals. The diagnosis must differentiate factitious disorder from other conditions with similar presentations. It is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of any potential victims involved. Treatment requires a sensitive and non-judgmental approach, as patients may be resistant to acknowledging the psychological basis of their behavior. Referral to a mental health specialist is crucial for appropriate management and intervention.
In simple words: This condition, formerly called Munchausen syndrome by proxy, is a mental illness where someone pretends another person, usually a child, is sick or injured, even making them sick or hurt sometimes, just to get attention.They don't do it for money or other benefits, just for sympathy and to be seen as a caregiver.
Factitious disorder imposed on another, previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, is a mental disorder in which a person deceives others by claiming that another individual, typically a child, has a physical or psychological illness.This deception may involve exaggerating or fabricating symptoms, tampering with medical tests, or even inducing illness in the victim.The perpetrator's motivation is to gain attention and sympathy, not external rewards like financial gain.Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's history, symptoms, and mental state, often requiring careful observation and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.Treatment typically involves psychotherapy to address the underlying psychological issues driving the deceptive behavior.
Example 1: A parent repeatedly brings their child to the doctor, reporting various symptoms that are inconsistent and cannot be medically explained.Tests and examinations reveal no underlying medical condition, and suspicion of factitious disorder imposed on another is raised., A caregiver exaggerates the severity of an elderly patient's cognitive decline, leading to unnecessary medical interventions and restrictions on the patient's independence. The caregiver's behavior aligns with the criteria for factitious disorder imposed on another., An individual falsifies medical records and symptoms for a dependent, leading to extensive medical investigations and treatments. Despite no objective evidence of illness, the individual persists in seeking medical attention for the fabricated condition, characteristic of factitious disorder imposed on another.
Documentation should include detailed records of the patient's reported symptoms, medical history, examination findings, results of diagnostic tests, and any discrepancies or inconsistencies observed.Any evidence of manipulation or fabrication of symptoms should be carefully documented, along with observations of the patient's behavior and interactions with the alleged victim. If child abuse or neglect is suspected, appropriate reporting procedures must be followed.Consultations with other healthcare professionals involved in the case should also be documented.A detailed mental health assessment, including the patient's psychological state, motivations, and any other relevant psychosocial factors, is essential.
- Specialties:Psychiatry, Psychology, Pediatrics, Primary Care
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office, Psychiatric Facility-Partial Hospitalization