Who Is Affected by Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Munchausen syndrome by proxy
(MSBP) is
rare. The true number of cases is unknown.
Children subjected to MSBP are most often younger than 6 years old.
But MSBP has also involved older children, including teens. Older children
and teens subjected to this syndrome may cooperate with the offending
caregiver. For example, they may tell the doctor what the
caregiver has told them to say, or they may truly believe they have an
illness.
Often several children in one family will be victims of
MSBP, although usually the caregiver with MSBP abuses only one child at a time.
The long-term effects on victims of MSBP vary depending on the
severity of
abuse and the treatment. Some children die from the
abuse, although the exact number is hard to determine.
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
|
Last Revised
|
July 11, 2011 |
Last Revised:
July 11, 2011