Factitious disorder by proxy: pediatric condition falsification.
We present a comprehensive overview of the condition factitious disorder by proxy, also known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. The review begins by highlighting essential definitions and the etiology and epidemiology of the disorder. It then analyzes relevant clinical issues such as assessment and diagnostic methods. The final section is a detailed discussion of the complex issues facing the clinician, including the process of confronting the perpetrator, relevant legal issues, and the treatment of the caretaker, child, and family through a multidisciplinary, team approach.
Shaw
Richard J
RJ
Division of Child Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5719, USA. rjshaw@stanford.edu
Dayal
Shaili
S
Hartman
James Kirk
JK
DeMaso
David R
DR
D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D016735:Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods