Citation

Shaw RJ, Dayal S, Hartman JK, DeMaso DR. Harv. Rev. Psychiatry 2008; 16(4): 215-224.

Affiliation

Division of Child Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305-5719, USA. rjshaw@stanford.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, President and Fellows of Harvard College, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1080/10673220802277870

PMID

18661364

Abstract

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.

Language: en