Munchausen syndrome by proxy is the most common term used to describe a type of child abuse in which a caregiver exaggerates, fabricates, or induces symptoms of a medical condition in a child that lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful medical care. Other terms for this rare type of child abuse include: Pediatric symptom falsification, factitious disorder by proxy, fabricated or induced illness by carers, child abuse in a medical setting, or simply medical child abuse.
Use the following resources to learn more about perpetrators of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Beyond Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Identification and Treatment of Child Abuse in a Medical Setting (PDF - 252 KB)
Stirling American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Pediatrics, 119(5), 2007
Identifies factors that may help physicians recognize Munchausen syndrome by proxy and recommends when to report a case to the State child protective services agency.
Munchausen By Proxy: A Collaborative Approach to Investigation, Assessment and Treatment (PDF - 459 KB)
Duquette Siegel (2007)
Guides professionals in identifying Munchausen by proxy with characteristics of the caregivers.
Munchausen by Proxy: Identification, Intervention, and Case Management
Lasher & Sheridan (2004)
View Abstract
Includes characteristics of perpetrators.
A New Name for Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Defining Fabricated or Induced Illness by Carers
Fish, Bromfield, Higgins
Child Abuse Prevention Issues, 23, 2007
Defines fabricated or induced illness by carers (FIIC) as an alternative title to Munchausen syndrome by proxy and explains when to suspect a caregiver of FIIC. (PDF - 272 KB)
Persistent Problems With the Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy Label (PDF - 54 KB)
Pankratz
American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, 34(2), 2006
Explains the controversy over the definition of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome
Parnell (2002, 2nd ed.)
In The APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment
View Abstract
Discusses perpetrators' characteristics and motivation.