NCJ Number
194957
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 105-111
Date Published
2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses definitional issues surrounding Munchausen by Proxy (MBP), undertaken by a multidisciplinary task force to develop a synthesis of the most current thinking and to articulate the identification and treatment of MBP.
Abstract
In 1996, a multidisciplinary task force was created and responsible for developing working definitions for Munchausen by Proxy (MBP). MBP has been described as the intentional inducement or production of physical or psychological signs or symptoms in another person who is under the individual’s care for the purpose of indirectly assuming the sick role. This behavior was once thought to be rare but today is seen to be more common. The task force was to take the thoughts in pediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, child protection, and law and synthesize them to present a consensus among professionals in order to identify and treat MBP. These refined definitions allow for a more comprehensive understanding of MBP assessment and treatment. This article presents definitional issues of MBP as they relate to the two identified components. First, it involves a child victim and adult (parent or caregiver) perpetrator. The child is inappropriately placed in the sick role and forced into unnecessary hospitalizations, treatments, and tests. Second, the identification of the motivation and the clinical presentation of the perpetrating caregiver are discussed. In addition, preliminary recommendations are presented on health care personnel’s and mental health professional’s evaluation of the child. References