Abstract â–¡ 126

Psychiatric reports are frequently requested on a parent or parents where factitious illness is alleged or suspected. The series of deaths at the hands of a nurse (Beverly Allitt) in England has probably raised awareness and resulted in an enormously increased number of suspected cases.

I report on the assessment process and results (including psychological/personality and attachment characteristics) of those mothers for whom I have provided reports. The attachment study is reported in more detail (abstract 2).

Recommendations as to methods, place (out patient or in patient), possible intervention and outcome to date will be made. The implications for awareness of these parental behaviours in the prevention of infant deaths are discussed.