Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another: Recognition and Intervention

Course overview

Abuse by factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) occurs when a parent seeks medical attention for their child that subjects the child to unnecessary extensive testing and medical interventions. The disorder, previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, was renamed and classified as a factitious disorder in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Treatment-Revised (DSM-5-TR). The spectrum of illnesses reflected in cases of FDIA is startling. Because healthcare professional team members play a vital role in profiling and aiding in the diagnosis of FDIA, they must be able to identify symptoms, warning signs, and the typical characteristics of a perpetrator, as well as the psychosocial dynamics of the situation, to separate the perpetrator-healthcare provider relationship. This course educates healthcare professionals about how to recognize and intervene in FDIA cases.