Fabrication or Induced Illness Awareness
FII and Perplexing Presentations: What is the Evidence Base for and against Current Guidelines, and What are the Implications for Social Services? (October, 2022)
Abstract
Reference: Fiona Gullon-Scott, Cathie Long, FII and Perplexing Presentations: What is the Evidence Base for and against Current Guidelines, and What are the Implications for Social Services?, The British Journal of Social Work, Volume 52, Issue 7, October 2022, Pages 4040–4056, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac037
Overview – Fabricated or induced illness
Fabricated or induced illness (FII) is a rare form of child abuse. It happens when a parent or carer exaggerates or deliberately causes symptoms of illness in the child.
The parent or carer tries to convince doctors that the child is ill, or that their condition is worse than it really is.
The parent or carer does not necessarily intend to deceive doctors, but their behaviour is likely to harm the child. For example the child may have unnecessary treatment or tests, be made to believe they’re ill, or have their education disrupted.
Reference: NHS Website [May 2023]
What is FII?
Fabricated or Induced Illness
FII is a term used by professionals to describe parents who’s description of their child’s presentation does not match that observed by involved professionals.
FII is not in itself a diagnosis. It’s a set of characteristics observed by professionals that aren’t understood which cause them to suspect a parent is creating or exaggerating their child’s difficulties, with no identifiable evidence to substantiate their existence.
FII is not the same as Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy.
But, it is fast becoming a something that parents are wrongfully accused of; which in turn prevents children from getting the help they need and, instead, causes life-long trauma.
Reference: Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) Awareness Website [May, 2023]
New guidance on perplexing presentations and fabricated or induced illness in children [March, 2021]
The new guidance provides procedures for safeguarding children who present with PP or FII and best practice advice in the medical management of these cases to minimise harm to children.
The guidance updates definitions of FII and PP. The new and wider interpretation of FII includes any clinical situation where the parent or carer’s actions are aimed at convincing doctors and other professionals that a child is more seriously ill than is the case. In these circumstances, the parent or carer may be acting on erroneous beliefs about the child’s state of health or, in some cases, deceiving professionals. There is a risk that the child will be directly harmed by the parent or carer’s behaviour but in some cases, and inadvertently, also by the medical team’s response.
Reference: Royal College of Paediatrics and Children Health Website [May, 2023]
Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations Abbreviated Practice Guide for Social Work Practitioners
Sunshine Support
Fabricated or Induced Illness Awareness Week