Munchausen's syndrome by proxy
The abuse that occurs in fabricated or induced illness (FII) takesa range of forms and can be difficult to recognise, but there are warning signs to look out for.
A clinician may suspect fabricated or induced illness if, after carrying out examinations and tests, there appears to be no explanation for the child's symptoms (for more information, you can read the NICE guidance about when to suspect child maltreatment in under 18s ).
They should also look out for one or more of the following warning signs:
The patterns of abuse found in cases of FII usually fall into one of six categories. Theseare ranked as follows, from least severe to most severe:
Previous case reports of FII have uncovered evidence of:
Find out about fabricated or induced illness (FII), which is a rare form of child abuse where a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child.
Learn about the abuse that occurs in fabricated or induced illness (FII). It can take a range of forms and can be difficult to recognise, but there are warning signs to look out for.
The causes of fabricated or induced illness (FII) are not fully understood, but previous traumatic experiences in the parent or carer's life can play an important role.
Information about what happens in suspected cases of fabricated or induced illness (FII).