Prolonged fatigue, school absenteeism, numerous medical complaints, and reluctance towards certain treatments can sometimes be mistakenly viewed as signs of neglect or falsification. However, these phenomena can actually be characteristic of a PAIS. It is important to distinguish between falsification and PAIS clinical pictures.
[Falsification is a form of child abuse in which a child's complaints are fabricated, exaggerated, or caused by a parent or caregiver. This is a very rare situation (prevalence estimated at 0.4-2 per 100.000 children).]
Misinterpretation of symptoms can lead to unnecessary stress for the child and the family, as stress is a known trigger for relapse or worsening of symptoms in children with PAIS. Unfounded suspicions of unsafety can cause significant harm. Therefore, good listening, asking follow-up questions, an open attitude, and knowledge of PAIS are essential.
