Münchausen’s syndrome by proxy [Baron von Münchausen] , a variation of Münchausen’s syndrome in which the parent persistently fabricates or induces illness in a child with the intent of keeping in contact with hospitals and physicians. The child may endure dozens of surgeries and hospitalizations for illness induced by the parent; nearly 9% of the children die as a result. The mother poses as being a good parent by “saving” the child from medical catastrophe, and the child serves as a manipulative object.
