The caregiver uses the child’s illnesses to join the child in the sick role and gain attention.
Some mothers go beyond making up symptoms to actually causing symptoms.
In time, children of this form of abuse can come to believe that they are really sick.
Tim Hale / Getty Images
This article covers the difficulties in recognizing this disorder, along with warning signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
It also discusses its consequences, complications, treatment, prevention strategies, and prognosis.
Research suggests that the death rate for victims of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is between six and 10 percent.
Considered a form of child abuse, Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a criminal offense.
How to Prevent Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
There is no known way to prevent this disorder.
However, once a diagnosis is clearly established, the safety of the child becomes paramount.
If you recognizesymptoms of abuse, you could help prevent continued abuse.
Putting an end the abuse may also mean preventing unnecessary, expensive, and possibly dangerous medical testing.
This may involve removing the child from the caretaker’s environment.
Parents or caregivers who abuse a child this way havea psychological problemthat requires professional intervention.
This usually involves individual and family therapy.
Because they are a form of abuse, these cases are also reported to the authorities.
It is a form of child abuse and must be reported to the authorities when discovered.
Caregivers can go to extreme lengths to fake illness and may sometimes end up causing the child real harm.
Talk to a healthcare provider or the authorities if you recognize the signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
This can prevent further harm to the child and get the caregivers the help they need.
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