When Being Sick Becomes the Goal

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What happens when someone deliberately creates an illness to receive medical attention? And what happens when an innocent child becomes the patient? In this episode of Off the Couch Psychology , Dr. Jerry Cunningham explores the disturbing world of factitious disorder, once commonly associated with Munchausen syndrome, and its dangerous counterpart, factitious disorder imposed on another, historically known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. You'll discover why some individuals manufacture medical symptoms, how professionals recognize the warning signs, and what treatments may help break the cycle. We'll also examine Munchausen by Internet and the tragic real-life story of Gypsy Rose…