edited by Gwen Adshead (Broadmoor Hospital, UK) & Deborah Brooke (Broadmoor Hospital, UK)

This important book reviews the current state of knowledge of Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, a type of child abuse which causes wide concern. Two main areas are covered, which will be of particular interest: new directions in research, and treatment of the perpetrator in and outside the family. The book also considers the ethical and legal issues raised by this problematic behaviour, which involves many different types of professionals and has a heavy cost not only for services but also for victims and perpetrators.

Unlike other books, this volume provides a multidisciplinary perspective, with input from social workers, paediatricians, child-psychiatrists and lawyers, among others. It also offers an international perspective, with contributors from the USA, Canada and Australia.

• A 20-Year Overview (A Bentovim)
• International Perspectives on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (R Brown & M D Feldman)
• Child Abuse Specific to the Medical System (J Jureidini & T Donald)
• The Extraordinary Case of Mrs H (E V Welldon)
• Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy: A Perspective from Primary Care (M J Bannon & Y H Carter)
• The Presentation and Natural History of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (M C B Plunkett & D P Southall)
• The Detection of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (M P Samuels)
• Assessment of Abusing Families (D P H Jones & C Newbold)
• The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem (S Pizzey)
• The Social Work Role in Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (J Gray)
• Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy — The Legal Perspective (D Taylor & M Nicholls)
• Risk Assessment (M Eminson)
• Treatment of Perpetrators (K Bluglass)
• Treatment and Outcome for Victims (I Mitchell)
• Ethical and Public Policy Issues in the Management of Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) (G Adshead)
• Current Challenges in the Management of Perpetrators (D Brooke & G Adshead)
• New Directions in Research and Service Development (C Bools)