Diagnosis of FDIoA is not FII

'Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another' is a condition described in the diagnostic manuals, DSM-5 and ICD 11.

It relies on the feigned, falsified, or induced signs, symptoms, or injuries - in other words deception - and intent to deceive must be present for a diagnosis.

The Royal College of Psychiatrist's guidance explains that in Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII) the boundary is drawn much wider as the intention to deceive is not necessary.

ICD 11 states that the threshold, or boundary with 'normality', includes:

'Some individuals whose loved ones have medical conditions may exaggerate the reports of symptoms to medical professionals in order to get their loved one’s care prioritized or to access additional treatments they perceive as necessary or potentially beneficial.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another should only be considered if there is evidence that the person is feigning, falsifying, or intentionally inducing or aggravating the symptoms of the other person.'

ICD 11 also explains that FDiOA should not be diagnosed if the behaviour is better explained by another mental health presentation.

See Bilson and Drayak (2025) for a full description of the way in which FII definitions have been widened over recent years and the impact of the change in 'Fabricated or induced illness – a label ready to be assigned to the history books?'