ABSTRACT
Munchausen by proxy syndrome (MPS) is a rare form of child maltreatment in which the caretaker, usually the mother, fabricates, simulates, or induces symptoms of physical or psychological illness in a child. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders refers to this set of behaviors as factitious disorder imposed on another. The chapter begins with a history of naming this type of behavior that is followed by coverage of the differences between exaggerating, fabricating, and inducing symptoms. The focus then shifts to a review of victim and perpetrator characteristics along with incidence information. The immediate and long-term consequences of Munchausen by proxy syndrome (MPS) are then addressed. The next topic in the chapter is the investigation of suspicions related to MPS, including a consideration of separating the parent and the child, covert video surveillance, a review of social media, and the use of fMRI. The chapter concludes with coverage of controversies associated with MPS, including incorrect diagnoses and issues related to expert testimony.
