[Münchausen syndrome by proxy]. / Przeniesiony zespól Münchausena.

Münchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), is a psychiatric disorder, a particular form of child abuse. An impaired emotional relationship exists mainly between the mother and her child. According to the variety of victims' symptoms, all medicine doctors may deal with this syndrome in every day clinical practice. Still insufficient knowledge about the syndrome and its' rare consideration in the differential diagnosis result in only severe, potentially lethal cases recognition. For many years the rest remains a source of a long-term physical and mental injuries in victims. About 30 years from the first attempt to precisely point the signalling symptoms for a proper diagnosis, we present the current knowledge on epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostic criteria, advised management and psychological portrait of the mother with the syndrome and her child, the syndrome's victim.

[Munchausen syndrome]. / La sindrome di Munchausen.

The Munchausen Syndrome is characterized by the tireless and repeated attempts, carried out by the affected individual, to obtain hospitalization following an extremely credible and dramatic representation of physical symptoms. This condition was described at first by Asher in 1951; the author saw fit to link the syndrome to the name of the Baron of Munchausen, the character described by Raspe, famous for the tendency to tell lies concerning his invented adventurous life, thus highlighting what is the main element of the disease which is the tendency to lie to the doctors about one's health, filling one own's life with dramatic events (pseudologia fantastica). The purpose of this article is to offer a comprehensive review of some of the literature dedicated to the factitious disorders, with particular stress on the psychiatric and psychodynamic interpretations offered throughout the years.

[Classification of secret self-injury behavior and development of an alternative proposal]. / Probleme der Klassifikation heimlicher Selbstschädigung und Entwicklung eines Alternativvorschlages.

The existing efforts towards a classification of autodestructive behaviors are critically discussed. In this context the nowadays usual method of operationally defining clinical appearances is confronted with the traditional method of psychopathological phenomenology. Starting from this point of view the author suggests an alternative pattern for the classification of factitious disorders.

Munchausen's syndrome: a brief review.

Munchausen's syndrome, a chronic factitious disorder, is appropriately named after an 18th century German nobleman who was noted for his story-telling ability. The disorder is an interesting oddity; however, it may not be as uncommon as most think. Behavioral motivations and clinical presentations of the illness are variable and make diagnosis difficult. Approaches to treatment vary widely and success remains elusive. As a result of their manipulative behavior and their desire not to "respond" to medical intervention, these patients are extremely frustrating to treat. The illness represents an emotional and economic stress on an already stressed medical system. If the diagnosis is suspected, efforts should be made to direct the patient toward expert sources for further evaluation and treatment.

Factitious injury of an extremity: a Munchausen variant.

Self-induced injury of one or more of the extremities may represent a distinct variety of Munchausen syndrome. The nature of the injury may be infectious, dermatologic or orthopedic. The mechanism may be secondary gain or another unconscious motivation that causes a craving for attention. In many cases, the underlying psychopathology is personality disorder.