Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Workup

  • Author: Guy E Brannon, MD; Chief Editor: Eduardo Dunayevich, MD   more...
 
Updated: Sep 1, 2011
 

Laboratory Studies

Standard medical workup for Munchausen syndrome by proxy is unlikely to provide useful information, other than findings that exclude medical conditions that could account for psychiatric pathology in the parent.

Laboratory tests may include these:

  • Sequential multiple analysis
  • Determination of the CBC count
  • Assays for rapid plasma reagent, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thyroid function

Toxicologic tests and DNA typing might also be indicated.

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Imaging Studies

Perform CT scanning or MRI if intracranial pathology is likely or if findings from neurologic examination are abnormal.

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Other Tests

  • Psychological testing may be performed to help clarify the diagnosis.
  • A separation test removes the mother from her child for the purpose of observation. In Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the child's medical condition typically improves in the parent's absence, or the child may develop new abnormal findings or worsen after a visit with the parent.
  • If indicated, obtain an electroencephalogram.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Guy E Brannon, MD  Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center; Director, Adult Psychiatry Unit, Chemical Dependency Unit, Clinical Research, Brentwood Behavior Health Company

Guy E Brannon, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Medical Association, American Medical Writers Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Louisiana State Medical Society, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: AstraZeneca Grant/research funds Other; Janssen Grant/research funds Other; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Sunovion Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Eli Lilly Grant/research funds Other; Forrest Grant/research funds Other

Specialty Editor Board

Ronald C Albucher, MD  Chief Medical Officer, Westside Community Services; Consulting Staff, California Pacific Medical Center

Ronald C Albucher, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Harold H Harsch, MD  Program Director of Geropsychiatry, Department of Geriatrics/Gerontology, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Department of Medicine, Froedtert Hospital, Medical College of Wisconsin

Harold H Harsch, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: lilly Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Forest Labs None None; Pfizer Grant/research funds Speaking and teaching; Northstar None None; Novartis Grant/research funds research; Pfizer Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Sunovion Speaking and teaching; Otsuke Grant/research funds reseach; GlaxoSmithKline Grant/research funds research; Merck Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Chief Editor

Eduardo Dunayevich, MD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati; Clinical Research Physician, Neuroscience, Lilly Research Laboratories

Eduardo Dunayevich, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Psychiatric Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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