All In The Mind
All In The Mind
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Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids
31 minutes Posted Jun 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
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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