Munchausen by Proxy (MBP),
a.k.a. Factitious Disorder by Proxy, Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome, and Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

MBP Maltreatment Quiz

by Louisa J. Lasher

Answer "true" or "false" to the following statements. Click on the link at the bottom of the page to check your answers. 

1. Munchausen by Proxy is a recognized form of maltreatment (abuse/neglect) in which children or adults can be victims.
2. Most professionals, including those highly regarded in their own fields, know little about MBP maltreatment, and usually have misconceptions and incorrect education.
3. There is no "profile" or set of personal characteristics or traits that can determine whether or not someone is an MBP maltreatment perpetrator.
4. MBP maltreatment perpetrators deliberately exaggerate and/or fabricate and/or induce problems in others; the problems can be physical and/or psychological-behavioral.
5. There is no mental health test or evaluation that can rule MBP in or out.
6. In order to confirm/diagnose MBP maltreatment correctly, there must be:

(a) proof (through direct and/or circumstantial evidence) that the suspected perpetrator has deliberately exaggerated and/or fabricated and/or induced a physical and/or psychological-behavior problem, AND

(b) rationale that the behavior constitutes MBP maltreatment - rather than something else.

7. Factitious Disorder (including Munchausen Syndrome) and Munchausen by Proxy/Factitious Disorder by Proxy have some commonalities but are different entities; an expert with regard to one is not necessarily an expert with regard to the other.
8. Anyone attempting to form an opinion as to the existence of MBP maltreatment in a situation should have considerable knowledge and experience specific to MBP - or be working with the assistance of someone who does have; otherwise, serious mistakes may be made.
9. MBP, under the term "Factitious Disorder by Proxy" appears in DSM-IV as a possibility for future inclusion as a formal diagnosis.
10. MBP maltreatment is no longer considered rare by leading MBP professionals.
11. Many suspected MBP maltreatment cases happen in the outpatient setting.
12. Most MBP maltreatment cases are confirmed through solid circumstantial evidence rather than direct evidence, such as covert video surveillance.
13. Most MBP victims do not know that MBP maltreatment is being perpetrated upon them.
14. Placement with relatives is potentially very dangerous in MBP cases; a specialized relative evaluation process must be completed in addition to usual relative evaluation activities.
15. MBP case plans must contain elements and activities specific to MBP maltreatment; without a court finding of facts that confirms MBP, it is very unlikely that an appropriate case plan can be legally justified.

Answers to Quiz

Last revised: 10/23/2003

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