Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-gtxcr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-25T02:27:29.308Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Exaggeration of Symptoms or Psychiatric Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2000

Fiona McNicholas
Affiliation:
Bloomfield Clinic, Guy's Hospital, London SE3 9RT
Vicky Slonims
Affiliation:
Newcomen Centre, Guy's Hospital, London SE3 9RT
Hilary Cass
Affiliation:
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH
Get access

Abstract

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy is essential in order to minimise the risk of iatrogenic and parentally-induced harm to the child. However, inaccurate diagnosis of MSBP may have devastating consequences for the child, family and professionals involved. ‘Psychiatric’ Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, which involves the presentation of signs and symptoms suggestive of a psychiatric disorder in the child, is even more difficult to diagnose and requires an unbiased and full assessment by the appropriate multidisciplinary team.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
© 2000 Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)