"Munchausen by proxy syndrome": not only pathological parenting but also problematic doctoring?
Certain social expectations of medicine combine with characteristics of subspecialised technological paediatrics to facilitate the form of child abuse labelled "Munchausen by proxy syndrome". Examining this form of child abuse highlights possible shortcomings of medical practice. The primary medical tasks of diagnosing and curing illness and of preventing suffering are sometimes overridden by other motivations of which doctors may not be fully aware. More open discussion of what motivates health professionals in their work may improve medical practice and lead to a reduced incidence of Munchausen by proxy syndrome.
Jureidini
Jon N
JN
Department of Psychological Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia. jureidini@healthyskepticism.org
Shafer
Allan T
AT
Donald
Terence G
TG
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009110:Munchausen Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010819:Physician's Role