Physical Complaints and Psychosocial Problems among Victims of Pediatric Condition Falsification (PCF): A Scoping Review

Symptoms and problems that may arise from pediatric condition falsification (PCF) have not yet been systematically documented. The aim of the present study was to create a scoping overview of existing relevant scientific articles related to the physical symptoms and psychosocial problems that victims of PCF can develop. The methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley was employed for this scoping review, supplemented by methodological insights from Levac et al. We used the PRISMA guidelines for our selection process. The search for physical symptoms was conducted in January 2024 (2013 to 2023). For psychosocial problems, the search was extended (2003-2023) due to the absence of relevant studies between 2013 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were English and Dutch articles, investigating victims of PCF, regardless of age or sex. A total of 29 articles were included; 25 studies on physical complaints and four studies on psychosocial problems. In total, victims of PCF reported 660 physical symptoms as a result of exposure to PCF ( N  = 82; 23 females, 30 males, 29 unknown). In six cases, exposure to PCF resulted in death of the victim. The victims of PCF reported 176 psychosocial problems in total ( N  = 225; 40 females, 35 men, 150 unknown). This scoping review indicates that exposure to PCF is accompanied by a wide range of physical symptoms and psychosocial problems among victims of PCF. We recommend including longitudinal research, psychological support, and follow-up protocols of victims after PCF diagnosis (e.g., in the form of questionnaires and interviews) to ensure personalized care.