Prompt and accurate diagnosis of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy is
essential in order to minimise the risk of iatrogenic and parentally-induced
harm to the child. However, inaccurate diagnosis of MSBP may have
devastating consequences for the child, family and professionals involved.
‘Psychiatric’ Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, which involves the
presentation of signs and symptoms suggestive of a psychiatric disorder in
the child, is even more difficult to diagnose and requires an unbiased and
full assessment by the appropriate multidisciplinary team.
