Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP), also known as factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA), is considered to be a mental disorder; however, it is also tied to child abuse. People who have this syndrome are mostly children’s caregivers. Though it’s most commonly identified in mothers, the syndrome can also affect fathers. Individuals who suffer from the syndrome feel an unexplainable urge to act as if the person they are caring for is sick and in constant need of help and attention, often medical care.
Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy
People who have Munchausen syndrome by proxy often do not provide proper care for their dependents and even make their dependents’ health worse. The syndrome is often linked to child abuse because caregivers who have MSP might go out of their way to make their child sick. They might worsen the child’s symptoms by starving them, giving them inappropriate medications, or even trying to poison or suffocate them to make their case seem more believable to others.
When taking the child to the hospital, people with MSP often resort o lying to the medical staff and falsifying information about the person who’s under their care. They may purposefully put the child through painful, dangerous, and unnecessary medical procedures.
Symptoms Of MSP Victims
Interestingly, individuals who have Munchausen syndrome by proxy do not pay any mind to the expensive costs of medical treatment. On the contrary, they believe that the higher the hospital bills are, the better they are as caregivers. They think that it makes them seem extremely caring and selfless.
The child who’s a victim of MSP is often at the hospital, but their symptoms do not necessarily match any specific disease. They also might have blood samples that do not match their blood type, and in some cases, chemicals might be found in the victims’ urine, blood, or stool. Their health gets better when they are under medical care but immediately worsens again when they are left alone under the caregiver’s supervision.
Symptoms Of MSP
The symptoms of people who have Munchausen syndrome by proxy are often hard to pinpoint. That being said, some cases occur in patients who have similar personality traits and backgrounds. Many of the individuals who have MSP have suffered from mental, physical, or sexual abuse while growing up. Some may tie the concept of love and attention to being sick because that’s the only time they received proper care. Some people with MSP may work in the medical field, which allows them to talk expertly about medical conditions. They also try their best to cooperate with the medical staff and emphasize that they will go the extra mile to guarantee the well-being of their child.
People who have MSP put a front that is hard to see through. Medical professionals might feel uncomfortable and out of line even to be skeptical of their intentions. So, medical staff who suspect the symptoms of the syndrome must have incriminating evidence before they accuse a caretaker of purposefully harming their child.
Medical professionals can try to check if their suspicions are true by separating the child from the caregiver and see if they get better. Doctors might also study the medical records and evaluate the history of the child. If they notice that the kid has been checked into the hospital for totally unrelated illnesses in a short period, they must look into it and report it if needed.
Causes Of MSP
Currently, there are not any specific causes directly linked to this syndrome. It is often tied back to the abuse that one might have experienced as a child, which might have contributed to distorting their conception of love and care. In other cases, people with Munchausen syndrome by proxy also tend to exhibit Munchausen syndrome, in which they fake having illnesses in an attempt to seek attention.
Treatment Of MSP
In Munchausen syndrome by proxy cases, the child’s treatment is prioritized. They are removed from the care of the one who’s been inflicting harm on them. Then, most of the time, they are redirected to get psychological treatment, as it might be necessary for them to heal from the trauma they might have.
As for the caregivers, professionals recommend psychotherapy for them. Therapists try to help individuals with MSP identify and unpack the causes behind their behavior. The most important step in their healing is acknowledging the gravity of the harm they caused to the child. Some might deny it, and others might be completely oblivious to the fact that they were endangering their child.
Final Thoughts
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a serious mental disorder that can be fatal for children in extreme cases. Although it is difficult to spot, it’s important to be vigilant and keep a close eye on children that may be victims of MSP. If you believe that someone has this illness, it is crucial to report it to authorities as it is a form of child abuse. Taking action when needed can help save the child’s life and get both the child and the caregiver the medical and psychological attention they need.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
