An Overview of Munchausen Syndrome and Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy are complex diseases that are difficult to diagnose and treat. To assist in this process, an overview of diagnostic criteria with common characteristics and red flags are discussed, with case studies illustrating identification and diagnosis of these disorders. Treatment options are addressed within the context of each of these complex syndromes. The provider's knowledge of diagnostic criteria and treatment options for Munchausen syndrome and Munchausen syndrome by proxy promotes better outcomes for patients. Without an early diagnosis and intervention, the patient is at high risk for severe complications, including organ failure and mortality.

Münchausen's syndrome by proxy as a form of child abuse.

Munchausen's syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is an emotional disorder in which the parent, almost always the mother, induces or fabricates illness in her child in order to gain medical attention. Although numerous case studies exist in pediatric and medical literature, most nurses are unaware of the warning signs of this disorder. Psychiatric consultation liaison nurses are in an ideal position to identify and intervene in MSBP situations and can also support the pediatric nursing staff through feelings of denial, shock, and guilt as they recognize the syndrome and its danger to the child.

The effects of a suspected case of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy on a pediatric nursing staff.

Munchausen's syndrome by proxy is a relatively new diagnosis for a unique form of child abuse that involves a parent who creates or feigns illness in his or her child, and presents a "sick child" to the medical profession for assessment and treatment. Typically, while creating or feigning the child's illness, the parent usually appears to be "ideal" (i.e., especially attentive, caring, supportive, and close to the medical staff). The present study assessed the effects of a suspected case of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy on 20 pediatric nurses in a large midwestern children's hospital. After the child had left the hospital, the staff was given a ten-item open-ended questionnaire covering how they felt about the case, how the case affected their interactions with other parents, and how they professionally and personally coped with the physician's presumptive diagnosis. Only 10% of the staff had had previous experience with such a case, and 55% had not even heard of such a diagnosis. More than 70% of the staff felt they were professionally and personally unprepared for the case. Their initial reaction to the suspected diagnosis ranged from shock and disbelief to nausea and anger. The majority of the staff had perceived the parent as supportive, loving, and concerned. Yet, now they were confronted with information that suggested that the parent had nearly killed the child while on the unit, in order to keep that child in the hospital. Although almost every nurse eventually accepted the diagnosis, they felt their relationships with parents in general had changed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronic factitious disorders. Helping those who hurt themselves.

A chronic factitious disorder is a complex psychiatric illness that generally manifests itself in the medical/surgical setting. The immediate need for psychiatric intervention is generally overshadowed by the need for intense medical treatment. The psychiatric liaison nurse is in a key position to manage emotional nursing care during acute hospitalization. Assisting staff to recognize behavioral manifestations can help to prevent further self-destruction and promote future psychiatric followup. The prevalence of factitious disorders is probably higher than misconceptions about the disorder. The potential to save health care cost as well as needless human misery makes this a professional nursing concern. The high incidence of factitious disorders in the nursing profession may make profession may make it a personal issue for nurses as well.