Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS), a form of child abuse in which a caretaker–usually a mother–fabricates and/or induces illness in a child, is one of the least understood forms of child abuse and mental illness. Examining the current knowledge about the manifestations and consequences of this perplexing behavior, Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome assists all professionals working with chronically ill children in identifying and intervening with this bizarre and often deadly form of abuse. Drawing from their firsthand experience with the complexities of such cases, the editors and contributors address critical issues of not only identification and assessment but also longterm psychotherapy. Therapy with the mother/perpetrator has traditionally been markedly unsuccessful, but this book provides a much-needed framework for the successful treatment of acknowledged perpetrators. Emphasizing the important role of efficient multidisciplinary cooperation in handling MBPS cases, Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome also features perspectives from experts in the fields of medicine, child protection, education, social work, hospital administration, and law. Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome demystifies the mother/perpetrator′s deception and gives professionals the knowledge to save children from induced life-threatening illnesses and consequent medical procedures. Professionals, academics, researchers, and students in a variety of fields, including clinical/counseling psychology, social work, nursing/health sciences, criminal justice, and law, will need the information presented in this book to help stop this form of abuse.
Cuprins
Foreword – Judith A Libow and Herbert A Schreier
PART ONE: IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING THE MUNCHAUSEN BY PROXY SYNDROME CASE
An Overview – Teresa F Parnell
Defining Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome – Teresa F Parnell
Guidelines for Identifying Cases – Teresa F Parnell
The Physician′s Role in Confirming the Diagnosis – Matthew A Seibel and Teresa F Parnell
Coordinated Case Management through the Child Protection System – Teresa F Parnell
PART TWO: INTERVENTION WITH THE PERPETRATOR AND FAMILY
Interviewing the Perpetrator after Medical Diagnosis – Deborah O Day
The Use of Psychological Evaluation – Teresa F Parnell
Setting the Treatment Framework – Deborah O Day and Teresa F Parnell
The Initial Therapeutic Stage – Deborah O Day
Trust
The Middle Therapeutic Stage – Deborah O Day
The Secrets
Later Therapeutic Stage – Deborah O Day
Identity Reformation
Therapy with Family Members – Deborah O Day and Mercedes D Ojeda-Castro
PART THREE: EMERGING ISSUES
The Criminal Prosecutor′s Perspective – Robin Wilkinson and Teresa F Parnell
A Multidisciplinary Hospital Response Protocol – Sue Whelan-Williams and Toni D Baker
The School System Perspective – Karen O Palladino
The Guardian
Ad Litem – Ralph V Hadley III