Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134253 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:36:36 GMT Sat, 8 Aug 2015 03:07:50 GMT Copyright © 2015 Chi Sigma Iota Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134253 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1134253 Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood

Book Being Reviewed:
Gregory, J. (2003). Sickened: The memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy childhood. New York, NY: Bantam Dell.

Reviewer:
Jessica Carter

Genre:
Memoir/Biography

Subject Headings:
Trauma, Violence-Domestic

Review:
This book provides a first-hand account of Munchausen’s by Proxy (currently referred to as Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another in DSM-5) from the viewpoint of a child victim. As I read Julie Gregory's account of her life I felt my facial features contorted by the emotions flowing from the pages...disgust, shock, fear. Some sections were confusing and I became frustrated until I realized this was the exact intent of the author; the writing style mirrors the experience of a manipulated, abused, and uncertain child. Even more remarkable than what she survived is the account of Julie's transformation into an independent adult. She faces her experiences and goes beyond them, using her growth, healing, and personal understanding as a tool for not only self-restoration but the salvation of other children experiencing the same nightmare. Julie’s story is an enlightening example of resilience.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another is a rare disorder. As such, most professionals will never see a case of either perpetrator or victim. This book may be useful as a case study, a way to gain insight into this specific form of abuse and an otherwise unknown population of victims. It should be noted, this memoir represents only one account and comorbid factors (i.e. paternal physical abuse, substance use) were also present.
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