Though predictable, the increase in complaints against paediatricians
involved in child protection work is never the less very worrying. (1) In
this context, though I share Minerva’s concern about infantile
masturbation being labelled gratification ‘disorder’ (yet another daft
example of political correctness in medicine), I am even more worried
about the suggestion that home videos of the masturbating infant should be
considered “useful in preventing unnecessary investigation”. (2) This may
be true for the infant but how long will it be before such a video leads
to the police investigating the hapless paediatrician who innocently
requested it?
1. Kmietowicz Z Complains against doctors in child protection work
have increased fivefold BMJ 2004 328 601
2. Minerva BMJ 2004 328 601
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
17 March 2004
Trevor G Stammers
Senior Tutor in General Practice
St George's Hospital Medical School, London SW17 0RE
Rapid Response:
A double-edged diagnostic aid?
Though predictable, the increase in complaints against paediatricians
involved in child protection work is never the less very worrying. (1) In
this context, though I share Minerva’s concern about infantile
masturbation being labelled gratification ‘disorder’ (yet another daft
example of political correctness in medicine), I am even more worried
about the suggestion that home videos of the masturbating infant should be
considered “useful in preventing unnecessary investigation”. (2) This may
be true for the infant but how long will it be before such a video leads
to the police investigating the hapless paediatrician who innocently
requested it?
1. Kmietowicz Z Complains against doctors in child protection work
have increased fivefold BMJ 2004 328 601
2. Minerva BMJ 2004 328 601
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests