Repeated false allegations of sexual abuse presenting to sheriffs: when is it Munchausen by Proxy?
Munchausen by proxy syndrome, wherein a caretaker (most often a mother) simulates or fabricates illness in a child in order to assume the sick role through another has now been described involving a variety of psychiatric problems and false allegations of sexual abuse. Given that a proposed dynamic appears to be a need in a dependent and/or hostile relationship with powerful transferential people from the past, it was expected that professionals (school psychologists, social workers, lawyers) other than doctors would be involved. A case involving law enforcement agents as a primary "target" is described and its significance discussed.
Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
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Schreier
D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D008192:Deception; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D016735:Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D016495:Police