Clinical and Forensic Characteristics of Suspected Fabricated or Induced Illness in Early Childhood

Objective: This study aimed to examine the clinical, behavioral, and forensic characteristics of cases evaluated for suspected fabricated or induced illness (FII) in early childhood.

Methods: In this retrospective study, records of 8 children referred to a national forensic board in Türkiye for forensic evaluation for suspected FII between 2009 and 2025 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and child protection data were analyzed descriptively.

Results: Six of the 8 children were female. The median age at first reported symptom was 16 months (range 1–79). The most frequent presenting complaints were neurological (6/8) and respiratory (5/8). Laboratory findings were normal in 6/8 cases, and imaging findings were normal in 7/8 (not documented in 1). In all cases, symptoms occurred in the presence of the caregiver and resolved following separation. A history of sibling death was present in 3/8 families. Forensic evaluation supported FII in 7/8 cases; protective measures were implemented in 5/8 (not documented in 3).

Conclusion: Multidisciplinary evaluation is essential in FII cases. When suspicion arises, the need for protective measures should be assessed promptly, with the intensity of any intervention proportionate to the identified risk, and routine sibling safety assessment should be integrated into FII evaluations.

Cite this article as: Kavruk Erdim N, Ağrıtmış H, Yılmaz E, Selçuk MA. Clinical and forensic characteristics of suspected fabricated or induced illness in early childhood. Neuropsychiatr Invest. 2026, 64, 0022, doi: 10.5152/NeuropsychiatricInvest.2026.26022.