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Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

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Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a rare but serious form of child abuse in which the perpetrator uses the medical system to meet her own needs at the expense of her child. By deceiving medical professionals that the child has a problem, unnecessary medical tests and procedures may then ensue creating harm to the child. Boys and girls are equally affected. Over 95% of the perpetrators are mothers with nearly half having some type of medical background. Virtually any medical condition can be lied about or faked, and examples are seen around the world. Detection entails an index of suspicion when the supposed condition does not respond to usual interventions, has an unusual course, or “doesn’t make sense.” In some instances, covert video surveillance may be helpful, but procedural and ethical concerns need to be considered. Once diagnosed by an expert team, case management might consist of removal and termination of parental rights. Alternatively, a high structured and rigorous plan of services and therapy could be assembled but would rely on skilled professionals, strict monitoring, and considerable time to ensure the safety of the children. Possible prevention efforts are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida – Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Randell Alexander & Deana Lashley

Authors
  1. Randell Alexander
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  2. Deana Lashley
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Randell Alexander .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma, Alliant International University, San Diego, CA, USA

    Robert Geffner

  2. School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Greensbo, Greensboro, NC, USA

    Jacquelyn W. White

  3. Dept of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    L. Kevin Hamberger

  4. Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA

    Alan Rosenbaum

  5. Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Viola Vaughan-Eden

  6. Education and Research, Zero Abuse Project, St. Paul, MN, USA

    Victor I. Vieth

Section Editor information

  1. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    Ernestine Briggs

  2. School of Social Work, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

    Javonda Williams

  3. Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School/Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Michelle Clayton

  4. New Orleans Child Advocacy Center, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Stacie LeBlanc

  5. School of Social Work - PhD Program, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Viola Vaughan-Eden

  6. Owner/Principle Consultant & Trainer, Russell Consulting Specialists, LLc, Vancouver, Washington, USA

    Amy Russell

  7. Executive Director, Arthur D. Curtis Children's Justice Center http://www.clark.wa.gov/cjc

    Amy Russell

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Alexander, R., Lashley, D. (2020). Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. In: Geffner, R., White, J.W., Hamberger, L.K., Rosenbaum, A., Vaughan-Eden, V., Vieth, V.I. (eds) Handbook of Interpersonal Violence and Abuse Across the Lifespan. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62122-7_317-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62122-7_317-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-62122-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-62122-7

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