Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is a mental health problem. It refers to an adult caregiver, usually a mother, creating or causing an illness to a person under their care. The person cared for can be a child or an elderly adult. And, is a form of child or elderly abuse. It is usually done to get the attention of doctors, nurses, or other professionals.
Munchausen Results
• At times, caregivers lie about a child’s symptoms.
• Also, they change test results to make the child appear sick.
• Occasionally, they physically harm the child to fabricate symptoms.
• Most victims are preschoolers. However, some children up to the age of 16 fall victim to this disease of the caregiver.
Diagnosing The Disease
• Look for a child having multiple illness problems.
• Symptoms are short term. At times, they disappear when the caregiver is not present.
• Several symptoms created by parents include, allergies, asthma, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and infections.
Munchausen And Schools
Educators deal with too many reasons students miss school. The phenomenon of mothers who invent disabilities for their children is one that is emerging. Research documented cases of students with this rare form of child abuse called Munchausen by Proxy. These moms create or induce educational disabilities in their children merely to get attention for themselves.
To make matters worse, educators assist such parents’ intentions because the parents portray themselves as involved, concerned, and knowledgeable of their child’s needs. Also, they are endless in requesting unnecessary special services from the school. Munchausen by Proxy moms are so convincing, educators begin to doubt themselves. Moms even threaten lawsuits and harass educators until they get their way.
Many Munchausen moms have been victims of abuse as they grew up. In addition, they may have come from families in which being sick was a way to get attention and care. They must get help. If they don’t admit to the abuse or seek treatment, there will be permanent damage to the child.
A child who is able to understand what is happening, psychological damage can be significant. Schools can only call social services for help in cases where they suspect Munchausen by Proxy. Never should the parent be confronted. Positive results occur when the parent understand what harm they’ve caused. And, work together with professionals and healthcare to face the problem.
