Baron Munchhausen

Karl Friedrich Hieronymus, Baron von Münchhausen (May 11, 1720 - February 22, 1797) was a German nobleman who in his youth was sent to serve as page to Prince Anton Ulrich of Brunswick and later joined the Russian military. He served until 1750, in particular taking part in two campaigns against the Turks. Returning home, Munchhausen supposedly told a number of outrageous tall tales about his adventures. Baron was born in Bodenwerder and died there as well.

Psychology

Additionally, the Baron lends his name to the psychological factitious disorder Munchausen syndrome in which a 'patient' will feign illness in order to receive the sympathy and attention of others; and also Munchausen syndrome by proxy in which a 'patient' is someone (usually a child) in the care of the person suffering the disorder. The patient in the latter case may suffer abuse at the hands of the sufferer in order for the 'patient' to receive medical attention, whilst the sufferer receives the sympathy of others.

Related Topics:
Factitious disorder - Munchausen syndrome - Munchausen syndrome by proxy

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