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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2000

Fiona McNicholas ,
Vicky Slonims  and
Hilary Cass
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
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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.

Keywords

AutismMunchausenpsychiatricproxy
Type
Original Article
Information
Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review , Volume 5 , Issue 2 , May 2000 , pp. 69 - 75
Copyright
© 2000 Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry

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