Characteristics of Hospital-Based Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy in Japan

• NCJ Number: 223185
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 503-509
• Author(s): Takeo Fujiwara; Makiko Okuyama; Mari Kasahara; Ayako Nakamura
• Date Published: April 2008
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explores characteristics of Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) in Japan.

Abstract

Over a 10-year period of time, 21 cases of Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) were found in Japan. The victims were young, most of the perpetrators were mothers, and the victims often experienced life-threatening danger. Perpetrators were found not to have a medical background and obtained medical knowledge mainly from visits with doctors. MSBP victims in Japan have similar characteristics to MSBP victims reported in the literature. Sex victims were roughly equal and victims were of young age. However, a significant percentage (23 percent) of MSBP victims was diagnosed with some form of developmental disorder. Symptoms of MSBP found in this study were also similar to previous studies: gastrointestinal symptoms were the majority. The percentage of dead cases due to MSBP was 9.5 percent which is comparable to previous studies. In conclusion, similar characteristics of MSBP were found among cases in Japan in comparison to other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Perpetrators of MSBP in Japan did not possess a medical background and universal access to hospitals may provide greater opportunities for perpetrators to ascertain medical knowledge from doctors or nurses when they visit. Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) has been recognized worldwide since first reported in 1977. Most cases have been reported from developed and English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, but a recent review reported MSBP cases in Japan. This study hypothesized that the unique Japanese health care system, offering more frequent visits to physicians offices or hospitals for mothers to bring their children in for treatment, might affect the characteristics of victims and perpetrators of MSBP in Japan. Tables, references