Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a psychological disorder in which a parent fakes illness in her child in order to gain attention and nurturing. Some authors believe it is more common than thought, others that it is misapplied when physicians misunderstand the symptoms they see in a child. Some authors go further, stating that the diagnosis is a way of oppressing women through false accusations.
1) Munchausen By Proxy Syndrome: Misunderstood Child Abuse
This book presents the medical symptoms and signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and how to identify and intervene in this form of child abuse. It also describes several successful attempts at treating the perpetrator through psychotherapy.
2) Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy: Current Issues
A collection of professional articles on Munchausen syndrome by proxy, covering history of the disorder, identification, intervention, treatment of the perpetrator, and results of research studies.
3) Do No Harm? Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
Author McGill, an investigative reporter, looks at the history of this syndrome as a diagnosis, and famous cases in the United States. McGill asks whether this syndrome has basis in fact, or is it the latest "hot" diagnosis in the media spotlight? Included in the author's discussion is what steps society can take to see that parents are not falsely accused of this form of child abuse.
4) Disordered Mother or Disordered Diagnosis? Muchausen by Proxy Syndrome
This book approaches the questions around Munchausen syndrome by proxy from a philosophical and sociological viewpoint, unlike other books which rely heavily on clinical research. The basic premise of the book is that the syndrome is overused as a diagnosis, and that these false accusations of child abuse oppress women. This book examines some of the reasons why overdiagnosis is occurring.
5) Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy Reconsidered
Author Mart, a forensic psychologist, looks at the scientific literature and research on Munchausen syndrome by proxy, and finds most of it lacking in actual science. He discusses the types of errors made in the diagnosis of the syndrome, and illustrates his points with cases of which he has firsthand knowledge. The book also looks at injustice in the legal process in child protective cases.