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Review
. 2020 Mar;27(1):139-149.
doi: 10.1007/s10880-019-09630-6.

Psychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy Abuse

Mary J Sanders  1 , Brenda Bursch  2
Affiliations
Review

Psychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy Abuse

Mary J Sanders et al. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2020 Mar.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to propose management and treatment protocols for family members impacted by MBP abuse. A brief review of psychopathology, co-morbidities, MBP risk level, treatment outcomes, and rationale for treatment is presented, followed by detailed guidance regarding psychological treatment and management. We propose five components of psychotherapy for abusers, best remembered by using the acronym of ACCEPTS: ACknowledgement, Coping, Empathy, Parenting, Taking charge, and Support. Guidance for the treatment of spouses/partners of the abuser, other involved family members/friends, and child victims are also provided.

Keywords: Factitious disorder imposed on another; Family treatment; Munchausen by proxy.

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