Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as a developmental disability

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a form of child abuse in which a parent falsifies illness in a child by fabricating or producing symptoms and presenting the child for medical care while disclaiming knowledge as to the cause of the problem. This report presents the case history of a child diagnosed with MSBP who was portrayed as having multiple developmental disabilities by her mother. Three elements of the case are noteworthy. The emphasis by the mother on multiple developmental disabilities has not been reported. The complexity of this case is unusual and may reflect the complexity of the mother's psychopathology. The interdisciplinary team evaluation was instrumental in making the diagnosis.