Sharon has caused diarrhea in her 3-year-old daughter by feeding her spoiled milk and rotten eggs.When the child is repeatedly hospitalized, Sharon acts like a very worried and caring mother.Since Sharon does not get to play the sick role and gets no obvious reward for her behavior, her appropriate diagnosis is ____.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sharon's behavior is consistent with Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy), where an individual intentionally causes harm or illness to another person, usually a child, in order to receive emotional gratification or attention from playing the role of a concerned caregiver. Sharon's motivation may not be apparent, but the fact that she intentionally gives spoiled food suggests that it is not simple negligence or ignorance.

Sharon Has Caused Diarrhea in Her 3-Year-Old Daughter by Feeding