Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
In its classic form, Munchausen Syndrome is a psychiatric disorder involving a person feigning a medical or psychological condition with the ultimate intention of attracting sympathy or attention. Oftentimes, this involves a textbook knowledge of the symptoms of a disorder that a patient will either complain of or, in more extreme cases, create through physical means.
However, equally disturbing is the variation of this condition known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. In an MSbP situation, a caretaker (generally a parent or guardian) will intentionally cause illness or injury to someone under his or her charge with the same goal of garnering sympathy. When the victim is a child of the afflicted individual, MSbP is dually considered a medical state and an extended form of abuse.
MSbP Warning Signs
One of the most difficult parts of recognizing Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is that its characteristic signs are often identical to those of a parent who is genuinely, deeply concerned for the wellbeing of his or her child. Some typical indicators include:
- The guardian being obsessed with or conspicuously knowledgeable about his or her child’s medical state.
- Results of clinical testing that are either highly unusual or physically impossible
- Lack of appearance of symptoms when parent is not present
- The guardian reporting traumatic incidents on the domestic front while the child is undergoing treatment, such as fires, robberies, or car accidents
- A parent who expresses inappropriate or seemingly excessive interest a hospital setting
Contact Us
There is no doubt that the establishment of the presence of a Munchausen by Proxy case will greatly affect the outcome of a child custody battle. For more information on this complex issue, contact the experienced San Jose family lawyers at the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., today by calling 408-296-4100.
