Munchausen's syndrome

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Munchausen's syndrome (muunch-how-zĕnz) n. a mental disorder in which the patient persistently tries to obtain invasive hospital treatment, especially surgery, for an illness that is nonexistent. M. s. by proxy (MSP) a condition in which the patient inflicts harm on others (often children) in order to attract medical attention. [ Baron von Munchausen, a fictional character who told exaggerated stories]

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