Munchausen by Proxy

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Due to the nature of this disease and the inconsistent signs and symptoms that are most times undetectable, it is hard to make a diagnosis (Grace & Jagannathan, 2015). It is the perpetrator who is usually receiving the diagnosis and victim who is diagnosed with abuse. It is critical that the clinician who starts to suspect fabricated illnesses, either due to treatments or test results not matching signs and symptoms. From there a clinician must make judgment call that will result in the protection of the victim occurring. This is where collaboration from mental health professionals, social workers, and such is crucial (Grace & Jagannathan, 2015).

There are two sides to MBP: those who believe the disorder does exist as a form of abuse and those who do not. Those who do not base their conclusions on the lack of empirical studies and data to support the existence of MBP. On the other side is the experience in cases, the witnessing effects of what happens to the victims once removed to the situation and some of the victims themselves who believe in the disorder.

Effects on Victims and Society

Educating the public about MBP is a needed thing. Children who long believe something is wrong with them will start acting in such a manner. This can affect school performance and how these victims interact with members of society. If victim continuously is told they have something like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), over time with input from the caregiver, the one person the victim believes has their best interest at heart, will start to believe they have ADHD and begin to have signs and symptoms of the diagnosis. Now this is just a simple example, however; look at the studies that state ADHD has been misdiagnosed. There is potential there for skewed data due to MBP.

If the public where more aware of the signs or symptoms by the perpetrator, less victims would have to suffer. Knowledge is always key when battling against the darkness of abuse in any form. There also seems to be greater unity in numbers.

CONCLUSION

Detecting and investigating fabricated illnesses can be quite challenging. It requires a multidisciplinary approach from those in the health services such as doctors to social workers, police and forensic investigators, and those in society. Abuse does not have to be physical, sexual or verbal, it can also be through unnecessary medical testing and procedures.

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REFERENCES

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic Statistical Manual (5th edition). Arlington,

VA: American Psychiatric Association.

Cullen, M. (n.d.). Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. University of Illinois at Chicago. Retrieved

from https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=how+munchausen+by+proxy+impacts+society

Grace, E. & Jagannathan, N. (2015). Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy: A Form of Child Abuse.

International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health 8(3), 259-263.

Grush, L. (2013). The Munchausen Mom: How One Woman Fabricated the Pregnancy- and

Deaths- of Imaginary Twins. Fox News. Retrieved from

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/08/27/munchausen-mom-how-one-woman-fabricated-pregnancy-and-deaths-imaginary-twins/

Weintraub, P. (2007). Munchausen: Unusual Suspects. Psychology Today. Retrieved from

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200708/munchausen-unusual-suspects