Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome
Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) - an uncommon form of
physical abuse where a parent (usually the mother) causes illness in
her child in order to seek medical attention for her child. The parent is
actually seeking vicarious attention for self. These children are often
seen in emergency rooms, not usually the same ones twice in a row.
In MBPS, an individual — usually a mother — deliberately makes
another person (most often his or her own preschool child) sick or
convinces others that the person is sick. The parent or caregiver
misleads others into thinking that the child has medical problems by
lying and reporting fictitious episodes. He or she may exaggerate,
fabricate, or induce symptoms. As a result, doctors usually order tests,
try different types of medications, and may even hospitalize the child or
perform surgery to determine the cause.
Typically, the perpetrator feels satisfied by gaining the attention and
sympathy of doctors, nurses, and others who come into contact with him
or her and the child. Some experts believe that it isn't just the attention
that's gained from the "illness" of the child that drives this behavior, but
also the satisfaction in being able to deceive individuals that they
consider to be more important and powerful than themselves.
Because the parent or caregiver appears to be so caring and attentive,
often no one suspects any wrongdoing. A perplexing aspect of the
syndrome is the ability of the parent or caregiver to fool and manipulate
doctors. Frequently, the perpetrator is familiar with the medical
profession and is very good at fooling the doctors. Even the most
experienced doctors can miss the meaning of the inconsistencies in the
child's symptoms. It's not unusual for medical personnel to overlook the
possibility of Munchausen by proxy syndrome because it goes against
the belief that a parent or caregiver would never deliberately hurt his or
her child.
Children who are subject to MBPS are typically preschool age, although
there have been reported cases in children up to 16 years old. There
are equal numbers of boys and girls; however, 98% of the perpetrators
are female.
physical abuse where a parent (usually the mother) causes illness in
her child in order to seek medical attention for her child. The parent is
actually seeking vicarious attention for self. These children are often
seen in emergency rooms, not usually the same ones twice in a row.
In MBPS, an individual — usually a mother — deliberately makes
another person (most often his or her own preschool child) sick or
convinces others that the person is sick. The parent or caregiver
misleads others into thinking that the child has medical problems by
lying and reporting fictitious episodes. He or she may exaggerate,
fabricate, or induce symptoms. As a result, doctors usually order tests,
try different types of medications, and may even hospitalize the child or
perform surgery to determine the cause.
Typically, the perpetrator feels satisfied by gaining the attention and
sympathy of doctors, nurses, and others who come into contact with him
or her and the child. Some experts believe that it isn't just the attention
that's gained from the "illness" of the child that drives this behavior, but
also the satisfaction in being able to deceive individuals that they
consider to be more important and powerful than themselves.
Because the parent or caregiver appears to be so caring and attentive,
often no one suspects any wrongdoing. A perplexing aspect of the
syndrome is the ability of the parent or caregiver to fool and manipulate
doctors. Frequently, the perpetrator is familiar with the medical
profession and is very good at fooling the doctors. Even the most
experienced doctors can miss the meaning of the inconsistencies in the
child's symptoms. It's not unusual for medical personnel to overlook the
possibility of Munchausen by proxy syndrome because it goes against
the belief that a parent or caregiver would never deliberately hurt his or
her child.
Children who are subject to MBPS are typically preschool age, although
there have been reported cases in children up to 16 years old. There
are equal numbers of boys and girls; however, 98% of the perpetrators
are female.
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