Malingering

Malingering is the intentional falsification, exaggeration, or induction of illness (physical and/or mental) for predominantly external benefits, such as obtaining money, avoiding work or responsibility, seeking drugs, avoiding trial or jail time, or seeking paid time off. Malingering is distinct from factitious disorder because it involves known external, and often tangible, rewards. If a person falsifies or induces illness in their child to garner money or other external benefits, the term used is Malingering Imposed on Another (MAL-BP).

Though Munchausen Syndrome patients and Munchausen by Proxy perpetrators may also benefit from financial and external rewards, the primary reward in these cases is emotional, not material.

Read More:

What is Criminal Malingering / BBC

Behind Belle Gibson’s Cancer Con / The Guardian

Malingering in Medical Settings / Psychiatric Clinics