Ethical Issue Paper for Munchausen by Proxy
The curious case of Munchausen By Proxy
Safa Elkhidir
Metropolitan State University
Introduction Munchausen Syndrome dates back to 1843, when British physician Hector Gavin differentiated between people who faked an illness to achieve some sort of compensation and those who pretended to be ill for no other reason but to assume the sick role (Berry, 2008). The name Munchausen came from German cavalry captain who known for telling exaggerated stories about his life, travels and adventures (Berry, 2008). The first case of Munchausen syndrome diagnosed in 1951 by the British physician Richard Asher. He noted “the most remarkable feature of the syndrome is the apparent senselessness of it becoming a patient is the purpose of the syndrome" (Criddle, 2010, p. 46).
Overview of the Disorder Munchausen By Proxy is a rare but devastating illness. This is a condition where a caregiver induces or fabricates illness in a child, and presents for medical treatment (Beard, 2007). The DSM-IV -TR calls Munchausen By Proxy, a Factitious Disorder, in which the following criteria apply: 1. Intentional production or feigning of physical signs or symptoms. 2. The motivation for the behavior to assume the sick role. 3. External incentives for the behavior (such as economic gain, avoiding legal liability, or improving physical well-being, and in Malingering) are absent (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). This disorder is not about the child, but about the parent attempting to fulfill their needs and insecurities. The most common perpetrators are women who usually have medical knowledge such as nurses, or other health care professionals (Berry, 2008). These mothers are highly strategic in that they gain a trusting relationship with multiple healthcare providers. They are extremely active and interested in the care of their child, and often act as the liaison among healthcare teams (Kannai, 2009). The mother 's extensive knowledge and vocabulary about medical problems often
Safa Elkhidir
Metropolitan State University
Introduction Munchausen Syndrome dates back to 1843, when British physician Hector Gavin differentiated between people who faked an illness to achieve some sort of compensation and those who pretended to be ill for no other reason but to assume the sick role (Berry, 2008). The name Munchausen came from German cavalry captain who known for telling exaggerated stories about his life, travels and adventures (Berry, 2008). The first case of Munchausen syndrome diagnosed in 1951 by the British physician Richard Asher. He noted “the most remarkable feature of the syndrome is the apparent senselessness of it becoming a patient is the purpose of the syndrome" (Criddle, 2010, p. 46).
Overview of the Disorder Munchausen By Proxy is a rare but devastating illness. This is a condition where a caregiver induces or fabricates illness in a child, and presents for medical treatment (Beard, 2007). The DSM-IV -TR calls Munchausen By Proxy, a Factitious Disorder, in which the following criteria apply: 1. Intentional production or feigning of physical signs or symptoms. 2. The motivation for the behavior to assume the sick role. 3. External incentives for the behavior (such as economic gain, avoiding legal liability, or improving physical well-being, and in Malingering) are absent (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). This disorder is not about the child, but about the parent attempting to fulfill their needs and insecurities. The most common perpetrators are women who usually have medical knowledge such as nurses, or other health care professionals (Berry, 2008). These mothers are highly strategic in that they gain a trusting relationship with multiple healthcare providers. They are extremely active and interested in the care of their child, and often act as the liaison among healthcare teams (Kannai, 2009). The mother 's extensive knowledge and vocabulary about medical problems often
References: American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC:Author. Beard, K. (2007). Protect the children: Be on the lookout for Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Clinical:CE, 33-37. Berry, L. (2008). Understanding Munchausen syndrome by proxy. On the Edge. Criddle, L. (2010). Monsters in the closet: Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Critical Care Nurse, 30(6), 46-56. Kannai, R. (2009). Munchausen by mommy. Families, Systems, & Health, 27, 105-112. Malatack, J., Consolini, D., Mann, K., Raab, C. (2006). Taking on the parent to save a child: Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Contemporary Pediatrics, 23(6), 50-63. Siegel, D.M. (2009). Munchausen syndrome by proxy: a pediatrician 's observations. Families, Systems, Health, 27, 113-115. BehaveNet. Factitious Disorder. Retrieved from http://behavenet.com/factitious-disorder