Professional Documents
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Mbps Dr. Christopher L. Heffner
Mbps Dr. Christopher L. Heffner
Disorder
By Dr. Christopher L. Heffner
Dr. Christopher L. Heffner
August 22, 2014 Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome: A Deadly
Disorder2014-09-16T07:29:07+00:00
Abstract
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) is a deadly disorder of which awareness must be
increased. It is characterized by a parent, usually the mother, who intentionally causes illness
in her child. The disorder was named after Baron von Munchausen. There are different
intensities and manifestations of this disorder. Symptoms of the syndrome are hard to identify
but are most prevalent when the child only becomes sick in the presence of his or her mother.
The mother maintains a dynamic relationship with the physician, as the whole disorder is
centered upon her need for attention from the doctor. It is most widely agreed that MBPS is
caused by a need for attention and compassion to placate self-doubt in the sufferer. The only
plausible treatment known for this disorder is extensive psychotherapy. If more research is
conducted on this syndrome, it will help to protect the youth against abuse that is a by
product of a psychologically sick mother.
Introduction
When asked what Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome is, most people will draw a blank. They
are unaware of this form of abuse that claims the life of nine percent of children that fall
victim to it. This paper will discuss the definition of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome
(MBPS), the origin of its name, the subtypes of the disorder, the symptoms associated with it,
the dynamic relationship between the sufferer of the disorder and the physicians caring for
the sufferers child, the causes of this syndrome, and the suggested treatment for it. MBPS is
extremely difficult to diagnose, which is why many children die before doctors realize what
was actually happening to them. Treatment for this disorder is limited, as well as knowledge
and understanding of its causes. For this reason, it is extremely important to raise awareness
of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome and to work towards ensuring that no more children fall
victim to illness and death at the hands of their own parents.
between Baron von Munchausens fictional stories and the exaggerated and made up
symptoms of a person with this disorder, the terms Munchausen Syndrome or Munchausen
by Proxy Syndrome were adopted as clinical terms describing the two main factitious
disorders.
from the ones which were made up. Another sign that is common among parents with
Factitious by Proxy Disorder is their righteous indignation when confronted by a doctor
about their fictitious accounts of the childs medical history, or of inducing symptoms in their
child. Often the parent will threaten to file a malpractice lawsuit, or may even cause the child
to become deathly ill to prove to physicians that she was right about the childs poor health
(Schreier & Libow, 1993, p. 40)
patient, (Schreier & Libow, 1993, p. 153). Parents suffering from Munchausen by Proxy
Syndrome are highly unlikely to voluntarily attend psychotherapy. It is important for the
court system to mandate visits for the sufferer, or the problem will not be assessed and
treated. Unfortunately, very little encouraging data is y available on successful therapeutic
work with MBPS mothers, (Schreier & Libow, 1993, p. 162).
Conclusion
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome is extremely difficult to characterize and diagnose. It
manifests in so many different forms that it often goes undetected. It is often difficult for
physicians to believe that a mother would intentionally hurt or even kill her own offspring, as
it is a mothers job to protect and ensure that her children are protected from all harm.
Symptoms of this disorder are often near impossible to distinguish, however, with raised
awareness among doctors and nurses, it can be spotted and treated before a child is put in lifethreatening jeopardy. There is not nearly enough research on the syndrome to completely
understand or pinpoint why some parents suffer from it. It is crucial that in the future some
measures for prevention of Munchausen by Proxy syndrome, and more effective ways of
treating it are developed. The medical and psychological community must become more
aware of the problem and help children to be set free of the abusive hands of their own
mothers.
References
Dowdell, RN, PhD, E.B., & Foster, RN, K. L. (n.d.). Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy:
Recognizing a Form of Child Abuse. Retrieved April 6, 2004 from
http://nsweb.nursingspectrum.com/ce/ce209.htm.
Feldman, M.D., Mark D. (1998). Parenthood Betrayed: The Dilemma of Munchausen
Syndrome by Proxy. Retrieved April 1, 2004 from
http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/parenting/hsmun.html.
Lasher, Louisa J. (2004). MBP Basics. Retrieved March 29, 2004 from
http://www.mbpexpert.com/definition.html.
Munchausen by Proxy Survivors Network. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2004 from
http://www.mbpsnetwork.com.
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2004 from
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/munchausen.html.
Schreier, H.A., & Libow, J.A. (1993). Hurting for Love: Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome.
New York: The Guilford Press.