Factitious disorder imposed on another is a controversial diagnosis and remains under study by the psychiatric community because____________.
A) the individuals imposing the illness most likely already would meet criteria for another diagnosis in the DSM-5
B) it appears to put a diagnostic label on abusive behavior
C) intent on the part of the caregiver is hard to quantify
D) the abusive behavior toward the child may be reflective of an underlying borderline personality disorder

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Factitious disorder imposed on another, commonly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, involves a caregiver faking or inducing illness in someone under their care to gain attention or sympathy for themselves. Some professionals argue that it is better to recognize this behavior as a form of abuse, rather than a psychiatric disorder, and that labeling it as a disorder may excuse or justify the actions of the abuser. It is also difficult to quantify the intent of the caregiver, which can make diagnosis and treatment challenging.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another Is a Controversial Diagnosis and Remains