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ABSTRACT: Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is described as conscious fabrication and elicitation of pathological symptoms in children by their parents. Its etiology is not yet fully elucidated. However MSBP very often co-exist with other psychological disturbances and results from a strong need to be in the centre of attention. It is estimated that it may regard 2.8/100 000 of children. Clinical symptoms can be most diversified and dangerous including permanent disability, psychological disturbances and even death. Under suspicion of MSBP are usually mothers, who are most interested in the dise-asecourseof their children and have friendly relationship with medicalcare providers. Arrivingata proper MSBP diagnosis is always difficult and is based on discrepancy between symptoms observed by the doctor and the mother, careful observation of close relatives, comparison of laboratory tests results, "separation test" and video registration (which is forbidden in Poland). Treatment is based on psychological disturbances management, which proceeded MSBP development and familial therapy. In anycaseinwhich suspicion of MSBP israised the abusedchildshouldbeseparated from the parent "to blame" and respective social services informed. Unfortunately, there is still lack of sufficient knowledge of MSBP in people who deal with child care on a professional ground (school counsellors, teachers, child psychologists, doctors, nurses).
Clinical Dermatology. 01/2007;
