2,075 results match your criteria: "Munchausen Syndrome"
Deodorant Spray-Induced Cold Burns: A Case of Child Abuse.
Pediatr Dermatol
December 2024
Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is extremely difficult to diagnose. A case is presented of a 17-month-old girl who repeatedly sustained cold burns caused by a spray deodorant and inflicted by her mother. A comprehensive medical investigation, including blood assessments, skin biopsies and imaging were inconclusive.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAdvancing Understanding of Dermatological Manifestations in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.
Cureus
October 2024
Dermatology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, USA.
Article Synopsis
- This review examines the intricate link between Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) and its skin-related symptoms, highlighting the need for deeper understanding in this area of psychiatric disorders.
- Through case studies and existing literature, it showcases various dermatological issues in MSBP patients, from self-inflicted wounds to fabricated conditions, and discusses the psychological motivations behind caregivers' actions.
- The paper emphasizes the challenges healthcare providers face in identifying MSBP-related skin symptoms and advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, improved assessment tools, and further research to enhance understanding and diagnosis of MSBP.
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Factitious Disorder and Its Demographic and Clinical Characteristics in Psychiatric Inpatients in Iran; A Cross-Sectional Study.
Med J Islam Repub Iran
June 2024
Department of Health Psychology, Kish International Campus, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Article Synopsis
- Diagnosing factitious disorder (FD) in Iran is challenging, with only 17 confirmed cases in five years, highlighting potential delays in patient care and rising costs.
- *The study revealed most FD patients were young males (ages 20-30) with comorbidities, especially substance use disorder and personality disorders, suggesting a complex clinical picture.
- *The findings indicate FD is often underdiagnosed, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of its signs and the importance of considering comorbid conditions in treatment plans.
The spectrum of concern for medical child abuse among adolescents with chronic pain due to central sensitisation.
Child Abuse Rev
February 2024
Primary Children's Hospital, Center for Safe and Healthy Families, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates the experiences of adolescents with chronic pain who may show signs of medical child abuse (MCA), highlighting how the level of disability can exceed medical findings.
- - Researchers analyzed medical records of 37 adolescents aged 13-18 from an academic children's hospital, categorizing themes into three levels of concern for MCA: 'Green zone' (common issues), 'Yellow zone' (more concerning factors), and 'Red zone' (directly linked to MCA).
- - The findings identified commonalities in medical narratives and emphasized the need for careful assessment by healthcare providers to determine the potential risk of MCA in adolescents with chronic pain.
A medical child abuse case with spurious bleeding; importance of collecting the evidence.
J Forensic Leg Med
October 2024
Department of Social Pediatrics, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- Medical Child Abuse (MCA) involves caregivers harming children by fabricating or exaggerating medical symptoms, leading to unnecessary treatments that can be dangerous for the child.
- An 18-month-old boy exhibited recurrent bleeding episodes that were later identified as likely being fabricated by his mother, raising suspicions of MCA after inconsistencies were noted in his medical history.
- The case highlights the importance of timely and thorough investigations to diagnose MCA, emphasizing the need for collecting concrete evidence, such as DNA testing, to support allegations of abuse.
Hematemesis in Children: A Potential Sign of Parental Psychiatric Disorder.
Cureus
June 2024
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Mohammed First University, Oujda, MAR.
Article Synopsis
- * The syndrome can show a variety of symptoms, from physical health issues to psychological problems, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose.
- * Early detection is crucial to avoid serious long-term health consequences, including death, as demonstrated in reported cases involving a mother causing bleeding in her child.
Seizures, medical child abuse, and the pediatric neurologist.
Semin Pediatr Neurol
July 2024
Center for Family Safety and Healing, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43205, United States.
Article Synopsis
- Medical child abuse, formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, occurs when a caregiver intentionally harms a child by fabricating or inducing medical conditions, often leading to unnecessary treatment.
- About 40-50% of these cases involve neurological issues, with fake or induced seizures being particularly common and challenging to identify.
- Timely diagnosis relies on clinicians maintaining a high level of suspicion for such abuse, and the article explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of medical child abuse focused on seizure cases.
Insulin Abuse: A Case Report of Munchausen Syndrome.
Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets
June 2024
Abant Izzet Baysal University Internal Medicine Bolu Turkey.
Article Synopsis
- Hypoglycaemia in diabetes involves abnormal glucose levels accompanied by symptoms, while Munchausen Syndrome (MS) entails individuals intentionally faking symptoms for secondary gain.
- The report discusses a case of a 28-year-old woman with type I diabetes who repeatedly induced hypoglycemia attacks to seek unnecessary medical attention.
- Understanding Munchausen Syndrome is crucial for healthcare providers to avoid misdiagnosing patients and to prevent costly and unnecessary medical procedures.
Article Synopsis
- Factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) is a type of child abuse where a caregiver fakes or causes illness in someone they care for, previously known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
- A case study of a two-year-old girl showed symptoms resembling a serious autoimmune disease, but it turned out to be induced by her caregiver, who was secretly giving her a medication to simulate illness.
- The girl did not improve despite medical treatment until the caregiver was separated, demonstrating the need for healthcare providers to consider FDIA when faced with unexplained or recurring health issues in children.
Prevalence and risk factors for depression in factitious disorder: a systematic review.
Front Psychiatry
April 2024
Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine (DMED), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
Article Synopsis
- Factitious disorder involves patients intentionally exaggerating or fabricating symptoms to take on the sick role, and depression can be a part of this condition or occur alongside it.!* -
- A systematic review of literature showed that approximately 30% of people with factitious disorder also experience depression, often linked to past traumatic events and psychosocial issues.!* -
- Effective treatment for factitious disorder requires a collaborative approach, and it's crucial to screen for depression in these patients due to its high prevalence.!*
Self-inflicted tourniquet application resulted with two fasciotomies: Case report of an initially omitted Munchausen case.
Int J Surg Case Rep
June 2024
Ege University School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Izmir, Turkey.
Article Synopsis
- Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that typically requires quick intervention, mainly revolving around the decision to perform a fasciotomy to relieve pressure.
- The case discussed presents an unusual situation where the actual diagnosis was Munchausen Syndrome, highlighting its unconventional presentation and complexity.
- The discussion emphasizes that individuals with Munchausen Syndrome can skillfully manipulate medical professionals by researching symptoms and findings, making it crucial for healthcare providers to recognize this syndrome when symptoms and clinical history don't fit typical patterns.
[Factitious disorder imposed on self and Munchausen syndrome: An update].
Rev Med Interne
October 2024
Service de médecine légale et pénitentiaire, CHU Pontchaillou, 2, rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35033 Rennes, France; Université de Rennes, Rennes, France. Electronic address:
Article Synopsis
- Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS) is a mental health issue where patients intentionally fake symptoms for no obvious external reasons, and it can affect anyone, not just stereotypical profiles like young women in healthcare.* -
- Munchausen syndrome is a severe form of FDIS that is more common in men, and those with FDIS often have other mental health problems, with a rare but possible risk of death.* -
- Diagnosing FDIS requires careful assessment to rule out other possibilities, and treatment approaches are largely undefined, so healthcare providers should prioritize empathy and avoid unnecessary interventions.*
Self-mutilation: a systematic review.
Forensic Sci Med Pathol
April 2024
Postgraduate Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.
Article Synopsis
- * Research from various databases between 2018 and June 2023 indicates that self-mutilation injuries are more prevalent in men, who tend to suffer more severe injuries, with a notable global presence particularly in Asia and America.
- * The study finds a clear link between self-mutilation and mental health disorders, with many cases in men going underreported due to lower rates of seeking specialized treatment, and the most common injuries occurring on the arms and external genitalia, often inflicted with knives.
Munchausen Syndrome in the Context of Liaison Psychiatry: A Case Report and a Narrative Review.
Cureus
February 2024
Psychiatry Department, Liaison Psychiatry Unit, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Hospital Center, Vila Nova de Gaia, PRT.
Article Synopsis
- - Munchausen Syndrome (MS) is a severe form of factitious disorder where individuals intentionally fake or exaggerate medical symptoms for psychological reasons, making it challenging to diagnose and manage.
- - A clinical case of a 44-year-old woman reveals the complex relationship between her chronic medical issues and psychiatric factors, which resulted in her being misdiagnosed despite multiple hospitalizations and a strong desire for surgical treatments.
- - The case emphasizes the importance of early detection through a multidisciplinary approach involving various medical fields and Liaison Psychiatry, advocating for continuous psychiatric support to reduce self-harm behaviors while highlighting the need for more research to improve understanding and treatment of MS.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: A narrative review and update for the dentist and other healthcare professionals.
Dent Traumatol
March 2024
Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Article Synopsis
- * Victims of MSbP can suffer severe long-term effects, and the condition can also affect siblings, adults, and even pets, often leading to serious consequences, including neglect and potential fatalities.
- * Timely identification of MSbP involves recognizing caregiver deception, reviewing health records meticulously, and collaborating with other healthcare providers, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness among dentists and other medical professionals.
Clinical-Pathological Conference Series from the Medical University of Graz : Case No 178: A 30-year-old nurse with urine dipstick (+++)‑positive for protein in her late pregnancy.
Wien Klin Wochenschr
May 2024
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
[Medical Child Abuse - A Guideline to Detecting this Particular Form of Child Maltreatment].
Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr
January 2024
Lehrstuhl für Kinderschutz und Traumafolgen, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum Augustenburger Platz 1 13353 Berlin Deutschland.
Article Synopsis
- Medical Child Abuse (MCA) is a form of child abuse where unnecessary medical procedures are performed on a child, often due to a parent's deceptive actions like misrepresenting symptoms.
- The article defines MCA, explores the underlying factors that contribute to it, and discusses related terms as well as its connection to Munchausen-by-proxy syndrome.
- A key focus of the article is an internal guideline developed by a collaborative group at the Charité, which addresses MCA and suggests potential interventions for affected cases.
Suspected Diagnosis of Munchausen's Syndrome: Awareness for the Radiology Community.
Acad Radiol
April 2024
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Presenting as Pharyngeal Dysphagia and Recurrent Mouth Ulcers: A Case Report.
Cureus
November 2023
Department of Otolaryngology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU.
Article Synopsis
- - The case involves a six-month-old Saudi boy with pharyngeal dysphagia, tracheoesophageal fistula, and other severe health issues, initially thought to be due to genetic disease or infections.
- - Despite extensive medical care, including a gastrostomy tube for nutrition, the child suffered from mysterious bleeding and recurrent hospitalizations, raising suspicion of abuse.
- - Upon further investigation, it was determined that the mother's actions were responsible for the child's injuries, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to consider Munchausen syndrome by proxy as a potential diagnosis in similar cases.
Medical child abuse: Medical history and red flags in French adolescents.
Child Abuse Negl
December 2023
Pediatric rheumatology department and CEREMAIA, APHP Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
Article Synopsis
- Medical child abuse (MCA) is a serious issue where adults intentionally harm children’s health, and there is limited data on its occurrence in adolescents.
- A study of 29 adolescents with suspected or confirmed MCA revealed significant medical wandering, with them visiting multiple hospitals and undergoing numerous tests, and most had underlying health issues.
- MCA severely affects the quality of life, leading to high school dropout rates and a long delay in diagnosis, highlighting the need for better awareness and education among medical professionals.
Child Maltreatment: Skills and Perceptions as Competencies in Higher Nursing Education.
Children (Basel)
September 2023
Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, Toledo Campus, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda Carlos III, s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates nursing students' beliefs and attitudes about child maltreatment, finding that a significant majority (61.6%) agree that children are not responsible for the abuse they experience.
- - A survey was conducted with 370 nursing students across various academic levels, highlighting inconsistencies in their understanding of child abuse and the responsibilities of nursing professionals in addressing it.
- - Findings indicate a general lack of knowledge regarding child abuse among nursing students, emphasizing the need for improved education and training in nursing programs to better prepare future nurses for recognizing and addressing such issues.
Factitious disorder imposed on self: A retrospective study of 2232 cases from health insurance databases.
Gen Hosp Psychiatry
December 2023
Department of Polyvalent Medicine, Groupe Hospitalier Bretagne Sud, F-56100 Lorient, France.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS) in hospital settings in France from 2009 to 2017, including demographics and associated health issues.
- It analyzed data from 2232 patients, revealing an average of 248 new FDIS cases annually, with 58.2% being female and a mean age of 48.5 years at diagnosis.
- Results showed high rates of re-hospitalization and significant use of psychotropic medications, indicating that many FDIS patients struggle with additional mental health challenges.
Self-provoked oral illness: When the mouth mirrors the soul.
Spec Care Dentist
May 2024
Faculty of Dentistry, Amman Al Ahliyya University, Amman, Jordan.
Article Synopsis
- Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS) is a psychological disorder where individuals fake symptoms without any external incentive, making diagnosis difficult for healthcare professionals.
- A case study details a 53-year-old woman with a complex dental history, vague symptoms, and no clear diagnosis despite extensive medical investigations and surgeries.
- The conclusion emphasizes that dental professionals should consider FDIS when faced with ambiguous cases and may need to involve psychiatric experts for proper diagnosis and management.
Exercise-Induced Arrhythmia or Munchausen Syndrome in a Marathon Runner?
Diagnostics (Basel)
September 2023
National Institute of Cardiology, ul. Alpejska 42, 04-628 Warszawa, Poland.
Article Synopsis
- * Although initial tests like electrocardiograms and echo showed borderline results, doctors suspected Munchausen syndrome when standard tests did not elicit arrhythmia.
- * An exercise test replicating race conditions eventually triggered the tachyarrhythmia, highlighting the challenges in diagnosing exercise-induced arrhythmia and the value of sports heart rate monitors.