Münchausen syndrome by proxy and sleep disorders medicine.
Münchausen syndrome by proxy is a factitious disorder of childhood in which a parent fabricates medical history or produces signs of illness in a child to keep the child in a sick role. Since approximately half of all cases of Münchausen syndrome by proxy are presentations of central nervous system illness, such as excessive daytime sleepiness and near-miss sudden infant death syndrome, sleep disorders centers are likely diagnostic consultants for the evaluation of children involved in this disorder. We review characteristics that may suggest that a particular case has an increased likelihood of Münchausen syndrome by proxy. The recent presentations of two cases of Münchausen syndrome by proxy to sleep disorders centers are discussed as examples.
Griffith
J L
JL
Sleep Disorders Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216.
Slovik
L S
LS
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009110:Munchausen Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents; D012803:Sick Role; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*