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