Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: An Alarming Face of Child Abuse

Date

2015

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Indian journal of psychological medicine

Abstract

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is emerging as a serious form of child abuse. It is an intentional production of illness in another, usually children by mothers, to assume sick role by proxy. It is poorly understood and a controversial diagnosis. Treatment is very difficult. We present a case of 9-year-old boy brought to Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, a tertiary care hospital in northern India by his father and paternal uncle with complaints of hematemesis since July 2012. He underwent many invasive procedures until the diagnosis of MSBP was finally considered. The examination of the blood sample confirmed the diagnosis. The child was placed under custody of his mother. The case was reported to social services, which incorporated whole family in the management. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, father, case review, International Resources, India

Citation

Gehlawat, P., Gehlawat, V. K., Singh, P., & Gupta, R. (2015). Munchausen syndrome by proxy: An alarming face of child abuse. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 37(1), 90-92.

DOI