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Fabricated or induced illness — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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HardSafeguardingFabricated or induced illnessMRCPCH FOP

A 6-year-old girl has repeated attendances for reported seizures witnessed only by her mother. In hospital she is well, investigations are repeatedly normal and staff observe the mother interfering with monitoring equipment. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: D — Fabricated or induced illness

Repeated unexplained presentations, discrepancy between reported and observed illness, and caregiver interference with equipment suggest fabricated or induced illness. Absence epilepsy causes brief stereotyped episodes that can usually be corroborated clinically or on EEG. Labelling this as anxiety without safeguarding assessment would miss risk. The pearl is that careful factual documentation is essential.

Reference: NICE CG89 Child maltreatment; RCPCH Perplexing Presentations guidance