A Novel Case Series of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Victim

Introduction: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy or (Caregiver-fabricated illness in a child) is a form of child abuse which entails a child's illness induced by a caretaker; leading to a series of medical procedures and treatments that are unnecessary and potentially harmful as it may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Result and Discussion: A 35 year old lady, was married twice. From the 1st marriage she had 2 children (18 year-daughter and 17-year-old son) and from the 2nd marriage she had a (3-year-old daughter). She was known to have social and marital problems and diagnosed as a case of depression and was on multiple antidepressants and attempted suicide several times. She is using her 6-year-old daughter and her 3-year-old grandson for visiting doctors 4-5 times a week. She had a relationship with a neighbor, a young man (SA) who was a driver and transported the mother and her daughter to hospital or the doctor's clinic. The reasons for doctor visits were different including urinary tract infection, otitis media, gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, different kinds of trauma etc. Conclusion: Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a complex type of abuse, usually misdiagnosed and under-diagnosed, and its sequelae have a significant impact. In Iraq, there are some reported cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy but it is definitely underestimated. Its diagnosis is associated with social and legal problems concerning perpetrator parent, especially in the absence of a framework of formal rules. Health staff and investigators' adequate training is essential in revealing cases of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.