Munchausen by Proxy

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.

Question 10.1

What percentage of children will die as the result of Munchausen by proxy?

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Question 10.2

Law enforcement considers Munchausen by proxy to be which of the following?

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B.
C.
D.

Question 10.3

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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B.
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D.

Question 10.4

How might social media play a role in the continuation of Munchausen by proxy by a caregiver?

One possible answer might be that individuals with Munchausen by proxy enjoy the attention garnered from taking care of an ill loved one, and they can receive even more attention if they make announcements about their child’s condition on social media forums.

Question 10.5

What might be one way to determine if a child is the victim of Munchausen by proxy if the child is currently hospitalized?

One possible answer might involve monitoring the child and primary caregiver. A red flag would be if the child’s symptoms improve or he or she gets better overall in the absence of the primary caregiver, and if the child’s symptoms worsen when in the presence of his or her primary caregiver.