An Explanatory Model for Munchausen by Proxy Abuse

Objective: In Munchausen by proxy (MBP) abuse, a caretaker fabricates or induces illness in another person to obtain emotional gratification. In representative cases, a mother is the perpetrator and her child is the victim. In view of the limits of current explanatory models, we use personal accounts of MBP perpetrators, physicians, and family members as a window into understanding this counterintuitive behavior. Method: As subspecialty clinicians and consultants, we supplemented our extensive direct experience with MBP with a review of published reports of MBP located via MEDLINE and PsycINFO (1980 onward). We also examined the books devoted to the subject and incorporated personal accounts of MBP perpetrators and of family members and professionals involved with them. Results: Factors contributing to the onset and continuation of MBP are the perpetrator's experiencing a particular drive (e.g., intense anger or frustration); lacking or overcoming internal inhibitions against abusive actions; and overcoming external inhibitions, such as the potential intercession of a spouse or pediatrician. As a result, the MBP parent experiences release from unpleasant emotions and a sense of renewed control. MBP behavior gains “habit strength” each time it occurs. Conclusions: Psychodynamic explanations of MBP, while favored by some authors, are inherently speculative and tend to be low in predictive value. We suggest broadening these traditional explanations by emphasizing observable behaviors and verifiable background factors. The behavioral perspective we outline helps explain how MBP behavior is learned, why it is more prevalent among mothers, and why it is so difficult for perpetrators to stop.