Munchausen’s Syndrome By Proxy (Factitious Disorder) – Our Culture’s Current Insanity?

Munchausen’s Syndrome By Proxy has always been described as relatively rare. However, many are making the argument that we are seeing it in large numbers right now. It seems to have especially afflicted white liberal women in disproportionate numbers. 

I’m going to give you some information about it in case this is a new topic. After reading these descriptions below, look around our country and see if you notice anything that might be similar. Do you see a contagion that fits these descriptions that came seemingly out of nowhere but has engulfed many?

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (Factitious Disorder Imposed by Another) – verywellmind

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental health disorder in which a caregiver, most often a mother, routinely makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms in a child or adult victim to make it appear that the victim has a true physical or mental health issue.

These actions are typically a result of a maladaptive disorder or excessive attention-seeking by the caregiver. In addition to being a disorder, Munchausen syndrome by proxy is also considered a very serious form of child abuse

The exact cause of FDIA or Munchausen Syndrome by proxy is not clear. However, experts say that both biological and psychological factors play a role in the development of this disorder.

One theory suggests that people with FDIA experienced a history of neglect or psychical, sexual, or emotional abuse as a child. The caregiver may also have a psychiatric disorder such as personality disorder, bipolar, anxiety, or depression.

Other theories point to the loss of a parent at a young age or major stress. 

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA) – Cleveland Clinic 

Factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) formerly Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSP) is a mental illness in which a person acts as if an individual he or she is caring for has a physical or mental illness when the person is not really sick.

When someone has this mental illness, they might act as though their child or dependent has a medical condition that needs attention. However, the child or dependent person isn’t sick. People with factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA) lie about an illness in another person. This other person is usually someone in their care — often a child under the age of 6. In some cases, the dependent person can be another adult, disabled person or an elderly person.

There may be many different reasons why someone with factitious disorder imposed on another might seek unnecessary medical treatment for a child or dependent. Often, people with FDIA have an inner need for their child (or other dependent person) to be seen as ill or injured. This isn’t done to achieve a concrete benefit, like financial gain. It’s is often done in order to gain the sympathy and special attention given to people who are truly ill and their families.

FDIA is most often see in mothers — although it can also happen with fathers — who intentionally harm or describe non-existent symptoms in their children to get the attention given to the family of someone who is sick. A person with FDIA uses the many hospitalizations as a way to earn praise from others for their devotion to the child’s care, often using the sick child as a means for developing a relationship with the doctor or other healthcare provider.

Factitious disorder – Mayo Clinic

Factitious disorder imposed on another (previously called Munchausen syndrome by proxy) is when someone falsely claims that another person has physical or psychological signs or symptoms of illness, or causes injury or disease in another person with the intention of deceiving others.

People with this disorder present another person as sick, injured or having problems functioning, claiming that medical attention is needed. Usually this involves a parent harming a child. This form of abuse can put a child in serious danger of injury or unnecessary medical care.