Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Introduction

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP) is a type of child abuse which is difficult to diagnosis. This often goes unnoticed for weeks, months or even years. Serious complications and even death can result from it. It is a peculiar form of abuse in which a parent-usually the mother-simulates the existence or causes symptoms or signs in children with a view to seeking medical care and diagnostic or therapeutic maneuvers. It is a serious form of child abuse with high recurrence rates and high mortality. It is a person who takes care of the abused child, usually the mother. The perpetrator makes appears that the child is sick, pretending that have symptoms or provoking them (Vandeven, 2001).

Overview of Case Study

The case study is about the Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS), which is the factitious disorder. The case is about 37 years old Marna who was arrested on a charge of her daughter Penny's murder. She was also charged with the aggravated child abuse and fraud. Marna's six year old daughter Prudence, who has been continuous victim of her mother abuse and disorder, was admitted to the hospital where Marna continued to make false representation about her Prudence disease. These false and misleading representations lead to the numbers of unnecessary doses of medicines. These medicines eventually had a negative impact on the health and condition of Prudence. Later on, from various investigations and interviews, Marna was convicted of crime and sentenced to life in prison.

Components of Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome

Biological Components

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is the one in which, usually the mother, induce illness in child intentionally and deliberately, or provide inaccurate information to doctors about the health of child, inventing diseases or symptoms that the child does not have. It can induce vomiting, may cause bleeding, administer drug overdose, injury, injecting harmful substances or germs, etc. The name of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP) is related to the disorder called Munchausen syndrome (MS), in which a person intentionally causes injury or disease to herself to get attention and care. They do not do it to get money or other economic benefits, but to assume the sick role (Craft, 2004). In Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the aim is the same: get the attention of medical personnel, but the damage is inflicted to own child rather than the body itself. In many cases, these people have also suffered from Munchausen syndrome.

Most people with Munchausen syndrome by proxy are young married women. Before others are shown as mothers concerned about the welfare of their children and engaged them, but when alone show little interest and just interact with them. They have a very strong need to interact with medical personnel and hospitals and use them to your child for this contact. The hospital is actively involved in caring for the child; do not leave the hospital and good relations with the medical staff. Often the hospital staffs are more dedicated in building relationships with or offering support to other ...