Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kidsMunchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids
All In The Mind
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 Consultation Liaison Service 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 Support resources: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
31:50•26 Jun 2025
Munchausen by Proxy: Unravelling the Mystery of Parental Deception
Episode Overview
- Munchausen by Proxy involves caregivers fabricating or inducing illness in children.
- Medical professionals can be misled by convincing deceit from perpetrators.
- Personality disorders and past trauma may contribute to the behaviour.
- Acknowledging responsibility is crucial for potential reform in abusers.
- Adopting respectful scepticism can help prevent medical deception.
“It's incredible to think that people can get away with these lies about their children at all, let alone for years.”
Imagine a parent fabricating their child's illness to gain attention. This episode of 'All In The Mind' delves into the chilling phenomenon of Munchausen by Proxy, a disorder where caregivers intentionally harm or falsify medical conditions in children. Dr. Brenda Bursch and Professor Jon Jureidini provide expert insights into this complex form of abuse. Brenda shares her experience with a case that left her both shocked and fascinated.
A young girl, subjected to extreme medical interventions, had no underlying health issues – all orchestrated by her mother, a respiratory therapist. This gripping tale raises the question: how do such deceptions go unnoticed for so long? You'll hear how the medical system can sometimes miss the mark, allowing these deceitful narratives to thrive. John suggests adopting 'respectful scepticism' in medical practice to prevent such cases.
The podcast explores the motivations behind these actions, hinting at psychological disorders and past traumas as possible drivers. While some perpetrators might be beyond reform, others could potentially change if they acknowledge their actions. This thought-provoking episode doesn't just aim to satisfy curiosity about unusual crimes but seeks to improve prevention and treatment strategies. Dive into the mystery of why parents hurt their children and what can be done to stop it.
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