Munchausen by proxy is an identified factitious disorder in which a caregiver purposefully and intentionally causes illness in another individual, in some cases their own children, to garner attention and sympathy as well as be viewed as a hero or a victim. The victims of individuals with Munchausen by proxy can even face death, or die. Multiple and frequent hospitalizations and unusual constellations of symptoms, among other things, are indicators for Munchausen by proxy. The most common symptoms noted are bleeding, seizures, asthma, comas, diarrhea, vomiting, poisoning, infections, fevers, and sudden infant death syndrome.
After reading both articles, “Munchausen by Proxy” and the article, “Social Media Fuels Munchausen by Proxy,” consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.
What percentage of children will die as the result of Munchausen by proxy?
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Law enforcement considers Munchausen by proxy to be which of the following?
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Dr. Feldman discusses several subtypes and descriptions of varying degrees of severity of Munchausen by proxy. Which description would best fit the following case: a less severe case of Munchausen by proxy in which the caregiver has forged or made up medical histories for their child and lied about the child being sick rather than causing a real physical illness in the child?
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How might social media play a role in the continuation of Munchausen by proxy by a caregiver?
What might be one way to determine if a child is the victim of Munchausen by proxy if the child is currently hospitalized?