Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids

Why would any parent lie about their child's health? Or worse, intentionally make their child sick?

In episode one of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we dive into a disorder that’s long been sensationalised in the media: Munchausen by Proxy – and ask: how do these parents get away with their lies? Can their behaviour ever be reformed?

Guests:

Brenda Bursch, PhD
Director, Pediatric Psychology in Outpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics Program
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
David Geffen School of Medicine,
University of California, Los Angeles

Professor Jon Jureidini
Child psychiatrist
Research Leader, Robinson Research Institute
University of Adelaide

Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Executive producer: Petria Ladgrove
Sound engineer: John Jacobs

Extra information:

Munchausen by Proxy: Clinical and Case Management Guidance

APSAC Advisor Volume 30, Issue 1- Munchausen by Proxy Special Issue

Psychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy Abuse

The mothers accused of poisoning their kids

Support resources:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14