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.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy abuse.

The difficulties in diagnosing Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Abuse (MSbPA) are examined. The perpetrators of MSbPA are usually the victim's primary care giver. The warning signs of MSbPA include unexplained, prolonged and extraordinary illness with the signs and symptoms only being evident when the suspected perpetrator is present. Confrontation, exclusion and covert video surveillance are all possible routes to gaining further evidence. The problems associated with covert video surveillance are explored.

Munchausen by proxy syndrome: the forensic challenge of recognition, diagnosis, and reporting.

Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) is a rare form of abuse in which a caregiver fabricates or produces symptoms of an illness in a child, elder, or disabled person. The deception is usually repeated on numerous occasions, resulting in many hospitalizations, considerable morbidity, and sometimes death. MBPS is a factitious disorder in which caregivers injure their victims in order to gain sympathy or attention for themselves. It was named after Baron Karl von Munchausen, the 18th century cavalry officer who returned home from war and told embellished tales of his adventures. MBPS is a very horrifying circumstance of abuse. Unwillingness or the inability to recognize this abuse deprives the victim of the opportunity to be shielded from future harm. There is a need for strategic protocols and a multidisciplinary approach to this baffling problem. Discussing the clinical profile of the perpetrator, the victim, and the family may help nurses distinguish medical fact from fiction.

Cameras in hospital rooms: the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution and Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

Does the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protect the rights of children or the child abusers? Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP): the mother, the child, and the nurse on convert video surveillance in hospitals.

The child first and always?

When there is good reason to suspect that parents are deliberately inducing their child's illness, nurses may be best placed to gather sufficient evidence. Sue Bradley examines the ethical implications of covert video surveillance.

Dilemmas facing nurses who care for Munchausen syndrome by Proxy patients.

Diagnostic practices, including video surveillance, in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy can lead to multiple nursing dilemmas. A case study with discussion of these dilemmas and suggestions to deal with them is presented to help nurses cope more effectively with this difficult diagnosis.

Nurses' knowledge of and experience with Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Because of their proximity to children and families, pediatric nurses are in a key position to identify warning signs of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) and alert other team members to the possible diagnosis. MSBP knowledge and experience of 132 pediatric nurses was assessed and compared with the results of two previously published articles. Consistent with previous reports, approximately half of the respondents had heard of MSBP. They were most likely to have received information about MSBP from direct experience (23.5%) and the media (19%). Only 25% of the nurses reported that they seriously suspected they had seen a case of MSBP during the past year. Despite the fact that 95% of the pediatric nurses responded that it was "very important" to know about MSBP, only one reported having learned about it from his or her academic training, and only 12 (9%) had read about it in a professional journal.

Nursing interventions in Münchausen syndrome by proxy.

1. Münchausen syndrome by proxy is a rare but serious and potentially lethal form of child abuse in which a primary care giver induces or reports factitious symptoms in a child. 2. The child suffers from the caregiver's actions and health care providers unknowingly become accomplices when they provide unnecessary testing and therapies. 3. The child's physical and psychological welfare can be protected through the efforts of the forensic nurse specialist coordinating a multidisciplinary health care team's work to detect the syndrome and intervene early on.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a review, case study, and nursing implications.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a serious form of child abuse that often remains undetected for years. Victims (and often their siblings) suffer serious physiological and psychological damage and sometimes even death. Nurses educated about this syndrome can have significant impact on its earlier diagnosis and intervention. This article presents a literature review and case study and concludes with a discussion of nursing implications including the effect of MSBP on nursing staff.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy: neurological manifestations.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP) is a recently described form of child abuse in which a caregiver fabricates or induces symptoms in a child in order to attract medical attention. The epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and the spectrum of MSP are reviewed. Central nervous system symptoms are a common presentation of MSP because they can be reported without confirmation. Three cases are reported to illustrate the most common neurological manifestations. It is important for neuroscience nurses to have an awareness that MSP can present as a neurologic problem, because appropriate management depends on early identification and treatment.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy: recognizing the victim.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a serious and potentially lethal form of child abuse in which a parent deliberately induces or reports physical symptoms in a child. The child not only suffers from parent's action, but he or she is subjected to an extensive battery of invasive medical and radiological testing that are unnecessary and painful. All health care professionals must work together to ensure that the syndrome is discovered in time and the child is protected. The child's psychological and physiological welfare are in danger.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: a nursing overview.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a common but often undetected form of child abuse in which a parent fabricates or falsifies an illness in the child and then presents the child for medical treatment, disclaiming knowledge as to the etiology of the illness. Nurses are instrumental in the early identification and detection of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. A case study emphasizes the role of nurses as part of the multidisciplinary approach. Use of the nursing process demonstrates comprehensive care in management.