Who is affected by Munchausen syndrome by proxy
The true incidence of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is unknown. The number of male and female victims are about equal.
Children subjected to MSBP are most often younger than 6 years old. However, MSBP has also involved older children, including teens. Older children and teens subjected to this syndrome may co-operate with the offending caregiver; for example, they may tell health professionals 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 difficult to determine.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis Douglas Dana | Last Updated: September 17, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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