MUNCHHAUSEN SYNDROME BY PROXY IN ADULTS - A CASE BETWEEN WIFE AND HUSBAND

Objectives: Munchhausen syndrome by proxy has been well described in t he case of a women producing or pretending symptoms in one of her chil dren, leading that child to have numerous medical interventions, The c ase of two adults has been seldom described and the differences in the psychopathological features of the two situations are not well known, Methods: We report our observation of a Munchhausen syndrome in a mar ried couple where the wife injected tranquilizers to her husband, indu cing repeated episodes of coma, Complex interactions between the patho logical personalities of the husband and wife were present, Prominent features of the wife's personality included a narcissistic deficiency, poor defenses and signs of depression, Discussion: Practioners should be aware of this peculiar pathology to avoid delayed diagnosis and it s dramatic consequences, Appropriate medical, psychiatric, as well as legal measures must be taken.