Münchhausen syndrome by power. Mothers and fathers who make their children sick
Münchhausen syndrome by power is a factitious psychiatric disorder. That is, it is a disorder in which a person close to the child: father, uncles, grandparents, and in most cases the mother, deliberately causes an injury or illness to seek the attention of others. Specialists define it as a particu
Münchhausen syndrome by power is a factitious psychiatric disorder. That is, it is a disorder in which a person close to the child: father, uncles, grandparents, and in most cases the mother, deliberately causes an injury or illness to seek the attention of others. Specialists define it as a particularly serious form of abuse that is very difficult to manage and treat. There is research that shows that when one of the parents mistreats the child in this way, the other parent occupies a place within the family that does not exist and has little presence.
This syndrome takes its name from the eccentric Karla Friedrich Hieronymus, known for being the Baron of Münchhausen, who became famous for telling stories of fantastic adventures that had never happened to him.
Causes of Münchhausen syndrome by proxy
The exact causes of this syndrome are unknown, but we can be guided by the fact that this type of disorder usually occurs along with psychological problems such as:
- Emotional deficiencies in childhood.
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They also have a histrionic personality disorder . These types of people define themselves with a great need for attention, express their emotions intensely or excessively and can be easily influenced by other people.- Have low self-esteem.
- They have frequently received ill treatment throughout their lives.
- Unsuccessful aspirations to work in the medical field.
This type of psychological problems can lead the adult who cares for the child to behave in such a way that seeks to attract the attention of others, and the search for unnecessary medical help for the children. This behavior on the part of the adult can become dangerous and even deadly for the child who is involved.
What are the symptoms of Münchhausen syndrome
Today there may be more than one hundred symptoms that may lead doctors to conclude that they are dealing with a case of this syndrome. We will describe some of the most common: Los - Parents and mothers with this syndrome always take their children to the doctor for symptoms such as fever, vomiting and domestic accidents.
- The child's symptoms when attended to fit within a classic disease picture. It is inconsistent.
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When their parents are absent, the children are cured.
- Symptoms reappear when they return home and can no longer be examined by the doctor. - The parent is extremely attentive and helpful.
- The child has a medical record in several hospitals.
How Münchhausen syndrome can be treated by power
Münchhausen syndrome by power in mothers and fathers is a complex psychological disorder whose treatment will be complicated.
To do this:
- Once this syndrome has been detected, the first thing that must be done is to protect the child by removing him from the care of the adult who is causing him harm.- After that it will be essential that a psychiatric therapy be started to help the adult to become aware of their actions.
- Children may require medical attention to treat injuries inflicted by their caregiver (father or mother), as well as psychiatric care to cope with the depression and anxiety that may be caused by this type of abuse.
