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Subject:		Re: mother-in-law with munchausen? How to address doctors...
Name:		Dr. F
Date Posted:		Jun 30, 08 - 9:59 AM
Email:		mdf@munchausen.com
Website:		http://www.munchausen.com
Message:		If you haven't already done so, you should check the Munchausen and MBP links on my website as well as my book, "Playing Sick." It is hard to give specific advice in a case in which I have not personally consulted, so the best I can do is refer you to those resources. I do think you're on the right track. One approach would be behavioral: making it clear that you are not terribly interested when she talks about medical problems, but become much more engaged when she doesn't. Gradually, you will be reinforcing healthier verbalizations. But realize too that the prognosis in full-blown Munchausen syndrome isn't too promising, especially when someone's behaviors have been so entrenched for so long (I can't say for sure that she has Munchausen syndrome per se, however, as opposed to simple factitious disorder). Regarding notification of physicians: you can indeed send letters or make phone calls to the physicians (if you can identify them); they are not allowed to reveal any information about your mother-in-law, but can accept information from concerned family and friends. Some physicians don't know that they have this flexibility, however, and tend to rebuff such contacts inappropriately. Good luck.

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