Munchausen syndrome is a psychological disorder where sufferers feign or induce illness to gain attention. Munchausen by proxy is a related illness where a caregiver induces illness in another individual to gain sympathy. It is a form of child abuse and can be difficult to detect. Treatment involves removing the child from harm and psychotherapy for the caregiver.
Munchausen syndrome, named after a German officer known for telling outrageous stories, is a psychological disorder in which the sufferer feigns or induces illness to obtain comfort and nurturing from friends, family, and healthcare professionals. In Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a related illness, a caregiver induces the illness in another individual to gain sympathy as a caretaker for a sick individual. Most commonly, it is seen in mothers who induce the disease in their children.
Also known as manufactured and induced disease (FII) or Munchausen by proxy syndrome, Munchausen by proxy syndrome is a form of child abuse. Most commonly, mothers suffering from this condition induce or feign physical illnesses in their children. In some cases, however, the mother emotionally abuses the child to induce psychiatric illness.
Munchausen by proxy is one of the most dangerous forms of child abuse for two reasons. To begin with, the children who are its victims face harmful and potentially fatal complications due to the induction of symptoms. In some cases, keepers poison their victims or inject them with harmful bacteria to induce disease. Secondly, the child may face further complications from whatever treatment he or she receives for the alleged disease. For example, your child may be medicated for a problem she doesn’t have in the first place.
It is extremely difficult to detect this psychological disorder. Caregivers often seem so attentive and concerned that no one suspects they are harming their children. However, there are some signs that could suggest the condition is at play. Symptoms that change rapidly or are inconsistent with any diagnosis, unusual medical findings, or symptoms that are short-lived and resolve when the caregiver is absent could indicate that the illness is fabricated.
The causes of Munchausen syndrome by proxy vary greatly depending on the history and motivations of the sufferer. In many cases, caregivers were abused or ignored as children, and the need for sympathy and attention becomes so all-encompassing that it overrides basic parenting instincts. Caregivers who suffer from this disorder may also suffer from depression, anxiety or other psychological conditions.
Due to the involvement of both the caregiver and the child, treatment for Munchausen syndrome by proxy is two-pronged. The first course of action is generally to remove the child from the harmful environment. While some of the physical damage may be irreversible, victims usually improve dramatically once the perpetrator is out of the picture. Second, treatment for caregivers depends on psychotherapy. This is most effective when the perpetrator is able to admit their mistake and actively seek recovery.
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