Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (FDIA): Overview, Assessment and Testimony
$200 Registration
4 Hours | 4 CEs
Eric G. Mart, Ph.D., ABPP (Forensic) presents a live virtual professional training program on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (FDIA): Overview, Assessment, and Testimony in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).
This program provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of the MSBP diagnosis, beginning with Sir Roy Meadow’s coining of the term in 1977. The first portion of this program will discuss the recognition of various forms of medical child abuse and problematic illness-related behavior, as well as the development of the diagnostic formulation. Problems inherent in the diagnostic formulations for each associated diagnosis (e.g., factitious disorder imposed on another, pediatric condition falsification, and medical child abuse) will be discussed, including the difficulty determining underlying motives for such behavior and the inherent problems in diagnosing a low base rate phenomena.
Practical problems with each of these diagnoses will be reviewed. This presentation will also provide a framework designed to assist mental health professionals in performing assessments in cases of alleged MSBP, including recognition of alternative explanations for problematic illness-related behaviors by parents and children’s caretakers. We provided information about how the meaning of such behavior is affected by cultural differences in diverse populations. Dr. Mart will provide guidance regarding providing ethical, relevant testimony in such cases.
This presentation is designed for mental health professionals who have experience in the assessment and treatment of parents and children involved in the child protection system and families before the court. It will be relevant for individuals in private practice and community mental health settings.