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, PhDDirector, Pediatric Psychology in Outpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics ProgramProfessor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral SciencesProfessor of Clinical PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine,University of California, Los Angeles
Professor Jon JureidiniChild psychiatristResearch Leader, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity 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.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Munchause…)APSAC Advisor Volume 30, Issue 1- Munchausen by Proxy Special Issue (apsac.org/new-apsac-advisor-volume-30-issue-1-…)Psychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy Abuse (link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10880-019-0…)The mothers accused of poisoning their kids (abc.net.au/news/2022-04-09/munchausens-by-prox…)Support resources:
Lifeline Australia (lifeline.org.au) 13 11 14