2005 issue 4

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Volume 14, issue 4

Review article

The Münchhausen Syndrome by proxy

TOMASZ KOWALIK1, BARTOSZ GRUSZCZYŃSKI2, AGNIESZKA RADZISZEWSKA3, Wojciech Gruszczyński2
1. Szpitala Psychiatrycznego im. dr J. Babińskiego w Łodzi
2. Kliniki Psychiatrii i Zaburzeń Nerwicowych z Oddziałem Interwencji Kryzysowych Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
3. Poradni Zdrowia Psychicznego w Łęczycy
Postępy Psychiatrii i Neurologii 2005; 14 (4): 366-336
Keywords: Muchhausen syndrome by proxy, diagnostics

Abstract

Objectives. The paper presents a clinical unit that is rather little known, i.e. the Münchhausen syndrome by proxy, its diagnostics, and treatment difficulties.

Background. In this syndrome carers produce or elicit illness in others so as to obtain medical care. In a majority of cases a parent (almost always mother) is the perpetrator, while the child is a victim. The Münchhausen syndrome by proxy results in the child's severe condition, in some cases even leading to death. Medical staff members frequently are not acquainted with this disorder.

Conclusions. Early diagnosis of the Münchhausen syndrome by proxy might reduce the frequency of complications and deaths in cases with this syndrome.

Address for correspondence:
Dr Tomasz Kowalik, Szpital Psychiatryczny im. dr J. Babińskiego, Oddział VIII A, ul. Aleksandrowska 159, 91-229 Łódź