Munchausen syndrome by proxy: diagnosis and prevalence.
A review of the literature and a survey of pediatric neurologists and gastroenterologists yield data indicating that the prevalence of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is greater than is generally estimated. This possibility is further supported by follow-up data on siblings of victims, together with wide variability among practitioners in case identification.
Schreier
H A
HA
Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Oakland, Calif.
Libow
J A
JA
D002648:Child; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D016735:Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology