title: Munchausen syndrome by proxy abuse.
abstract: The difficulties in diagnosing Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Abuse (MSbPA) are examined. The perpetrators of MSbPA are usually the victim's primary care giver. The warning signs of MSbPA include unexplained, prolonged and extraordinary illness with the signs and symptoms only being evident when the suspected perpetrator is present. Confrontation, exclusion and covert video surveillance are all possible routes to gaining further evidence. The problems associated with covert video surveillance are explored.
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Unit, The Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002651:Child Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008192:Deception; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016735:Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence