Web of Deceit: A Literature Review of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

• NCJ Number: 108887
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 547-563
• Author(s): D A Rosenberg
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 563 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a form of child abuse wherein the mother falsifies illness in her child through simulation and/or production of illness, and presents the child for medical care, disclaiming knowledge as to the cause of the problem.

Abstract

From the literature, 117 cases of MSBP were reviewed. The most common presentations of MSBP were bleeding, seizures, central nervous system depression, apnea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and rash. Short-term morbidity rate was 100 percent; long-term morbidity rate was 8 percent. Mortality rate was 9 percent. In 14 percent of the cases, failure to thrive was associated with MSBP. All perpetrators of MSBP were the mothers. It is not understood why this type of aberrant maternal behavior exists, or what the long-term psychological effects are on the child victims. Guidelines for medical, social service, and legal management are provided. 3 tables and 98 references. (Author abstract modified)