Munchausen's Syndrome Presenting as an Acute Sexual Assault

Abstract

This report describes a female patient with Munchausen's syndrome who made a false allegation of rape, buggery and indecent assault to the Metropolitan Police. The indecent assault took the form of inserting numerous wax crayons into the vagina, necessitating her admission to hospital for their removal under a general anaesthetic. Whilst in hospital she developed a status epilepticus-like condition, requiring admission to the Intensive Therapy Unit. As a specific method of self-harm in Munchausen's syndrome, this case appears to be unique. It has not previously been reported in the literature.