MUNCHAUSEN-SYNDROME BY PROXY - ANOTHER WOMENS DISORDER

Women are the only reported perpetrators of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP), in which a parent knowingly creates or exaggerates physical symptoms in a child. Gender-sensitive family systems theory, theories of women's psychological development, and theory relevant to the intergenerational transmission of child abuse are applied to explain why women are more vulnerable than men to developing MSP. Mothers with MSP sacrifice self-care for other care. By presenting a "sick child" to the medical profession they receive self-care in the form of socially sanctioned other care. Treatment can empower women with MSP by examining their histories of adherence to traditional sex roles, indirect use of power, reliance on male authority, and devaluation of women. A sociocultural perspective helps to avoid mother blaming and encourages movement beyond narrow sex roles.