Illness fabricated or induced in a child by a caregiver: what the doctor needs to know

Abstract

The caregivers fabrication, induction, or exacerbation of disease has been known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy since the last century, although this name is currently considered inappropriate. For this study, we will adopt this second designation. Child abuse is not a recent problem, nor is it easy to identify. The perpetrator can practice multiple forms of aggression, but one of them assumes importance not only because of the immediate or late consequences but also because the aggressor, in most cases, is the mother. This study aimed to broadly address the syndrome with information about the diagnosis and medical and legal conduct, according to literature data.