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. 2025 Feb 25;51(1):59.
doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-01878-z.

Knowledge and management of Münchausen's Syndrome by proxy: a survey conducted through the compilation of a questionnaire by pediatricians belonging to the Italian Society of Pediatrics

Rosaria Nardello  1 , Giada Cordova  2 , Corinne La Spina  2 , Ettore Piro  2 , Gregorio Serra  2 , Giovanni Corsello  2 , Antonina Argo  2
Affiliations

Knowledge and management of Münchausen's Syndrome by proxy: a survey conducted through the compilation of a questionnaire by pediatricians belonging to the Italian Society of Pediatrics

Rosaria Nardello et al. Ital J Pediatr. .

Abstract

Background: Munchausen syndrome by proxy represent forms of abuse with long-term psychiatric outcomes. Since the prevalence of Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is uncertain and underestimated, this study aimed to investigate and analyze the phenomenon through the compilation of an anonymous questionnaire that explores the knowledge of the phenomenon and above all its management.

Methods: the study was conducted by sending an anonymous questionnaire to pediatricians who are part of the Italian Society of Pediatrics. The questionnaire consists of 18 multiple choice questions and was completed by 511 professionals.

Results: The main results highlighted that the majority of doctors knows Münchausen Syndrome by proxy. However, when there is a strong suspicion of the syndrome, they mostly seek discussion with the parent or with another specialist instead of referring to the competent authorities.

Conclusions: starting from the consideration that timely diagnosis is fundamental for the protection of the child, we emphasize the urgency of enhancing the recognition and management of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. Early diagnosis, appropriate reporting, and collaboration with child protection authorities are essential in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Keywords: Child abuse; Malteatred children; Münchausen Syndrome by proxy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was approved by the ethics committee Palermo 1 of “Paolo Giaccone” University Hospital. Consent for publication: Written informed consent for publication was obtained. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Furthermore, they declare that the authors Giovanni Corsello and Gregorio Serra have the roles, within Italian Journal of Pediatrics, as Editor in Chief and Associate Editor, respectively.

Figures

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answers to question 2 divided according to profession
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answers to question 3 divided according to profession
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answers to question 4 C divided according to profession
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answers to question 5 divided according to profession
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answers to the question 4 ter divided according to profession
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answers to question 7 divided according to profession
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answers to question 8 divided according profession
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answers to question 9 divided according to profession
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answers to question 10 divided according to profession
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answers to question 11 divided according to professional profiles
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answers to question 10 divided according to gender
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