Factitious disorder imposed on another

This diagnosis code describes a mental disorder where an individual intentionally produces or feigns physical or psychological signs or symptoms in another person under their care. The perpetrator's motivation is to assume the sick role by proxy, not for external incentives like financial gain. The victim is typically a child or vulnerable adult.

This code is appropriate when documentation clearly indicates a caregiver is fabricating or inducing illness in a dependent, leading to unnecessary medical evaluations or treatments for the victim. Supporting documentation would include evidence of deceptive behavior by the perpetrator and the absence of a genuine medical condition in the victim, or the intentional causation of such a condition.

• This code is assigned to the perpetrator, not the victim.
• Distinguish from malingering, which involves external incentives.
• Requires clear documentation of intentional deception and harm inflicted on another.