The dangerousness of parents who have abnormal illness behaviour

Discusses child abuse in the form of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSbP) which may be perpetrated by parents who have abnormal illness behaviour such as somatoform disorder or factitious disorder. Looks at the incidence of abnormal illness behaviour in abusers and asks whether perpetrators of MSbP who have abnormal illness behaviour are likely to abuse their child more severely than those who do not, and whether parents with abnormal illness behaviour can be safe carers for children. Includes a commentary. (Original abstract - amended)