The Matter of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy vis-a-vis Autism Spectrum Disorder
This presentation deals with the hazards of pursuing a diagnosis of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) in children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in those with gastrointestinal (GI) disease and/or dysfunction. Specifically, it reviews the symptomatic presentation of GI disorders and the frequency and nature of GI disease in affected children. It discusses the history of MSBP and briefly reviews alleged cases involving “factitious” GI symptoms.
Andrew Wakefield, MB, BS, FRCS
Dr Andrew Wakefield, MB, BS, FRCS, FRCPath, is an academic gastroenterologist. He received his medical degree from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School (part of the University of London) in 1981, one of the fourth generation of his family to have studied medicine at that teaching hospital.
