Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Some Practice Implications for Social Workers

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The medical and psychosocial complexities involved in cases of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy typically necessitate carefully organized interdisciplinary responses. The role of social work in the effectiveness of such responses is both crucial and historically under-considered in the existing literature. This article presents the historical and specific diagnostic components of this complex and perplexing condition, along with practice guidelines for clinical responses, with information relevant to child protection issues across multiple settings.