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Munchausen by proxy victims in adulthood: a first look
1Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Adult survivors of Munchausen by Proxy abuse often experience lasting emotional and physical problems. This study highlights the profound childhood trauma and ongoing psychological distress faced by victims of fabricated illness by a parent.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Child Abuse Studies
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the long-term effects of Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) abuse.
- Victims are often unidentified, and follow-up is scarce after protective services involvement ceases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the childhood experiences of self-identified adult victims of MBP.
- To examine the long-term psychological outcomes for these survivors.
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study involving 10 adult survivors (ages 33-71) of illness fabrication by a parent.
- Data collected via a 33-item questionnaire and supplemented by telephone interviews.
- Included assessment of PTSD symptoms and open-ended questions about childhood experiences.
Main Results:
- Survivors reported diverse abuse, including poisoning and induced fractures, and felt unloved and unsafe.
- Adults experienced insecurity, reality-testing issues, medical treatment avoidance, and posttraumatic stress symptoms.
- Siblings were often also abused; some survivors felt anger towards mothers but sympathy for fathers.
Conclusions:
- Childhood illness fabrication by a parent has severe, lasting psychological impacts on victims.
- Survivors face ongoing challenges, including emotional distress and difficulties with trust and medical care.
- Abusing parents may continue harmful behaviors even into the victims' adulthood.