Münchausen's by Stockholm

Münchausen's by Stockholm is a psycho-social condition in which patients feigning illness develop a psychological bond with their caretakers while committing crimes, especially Scandanavian bank robbery, to draw attention, sympathy, or reassurance to themselves.

Description

Emotional bonds may be formed between patients and captives, during intimate crimes together, but these are generally considered legally non-actionable in light of the danger or risk endured by the patients.

Münchausen's by Stockholm fits within the subclass of factitious crime disorder with predominantly transdimensional signs and symptoms, but patients also have a history of recurrent imprisonment, escape, and dramatic, extremely improbable tales of their past experiences.

The condition derives its name from the legendary physician-bandit Baron Munchausen.