All In The Mind Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids
Jun 26, 2025
Brenda Bursch, a medical psychologist and expert from UCLA, dives deep into the unsettling world of Munchausen by Proxy, a disorder where caregivers intentionally harm their children for attention. She discusses the psychological complexities behind this abusive behavior and the impact on the child's well-being. The conversation reveals how medical professionals struggle to identify these cases and explores the dynamic motivations of parents involved. Lastly, listeners hear an inspiring recovery story of a former victim, highlighting the power of support and therapy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Extreme Case of Fabricated Illness
- Brenda Bursch treated a girl whose mother, a respiratory therapist, fabricated severe breathing issues.
- The child endured extreme medical interventions despite having no genuine health problems.
Why Munchausen by Proxy Fascinates
- Munchausen by Proxy captivates public imagination because it's hard to fathom such parental abuse.
- It challenges our understanding of human motivation around caregiving and deception.
Rarity and Deception in Cases
- Munchausen by Proxy cases are extremely rare and often go undetected.
- Perpetrators are master deceivers actively misleading the medical system, making research difficult.
