Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy

Nurses General Nursing

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I was just curious if any of you out there have cared for a patient with this diagnoses. If so, what kind of treatment was provided for them?

Please share!

Specializes in Med onc, med, surg, now in ICU!.
munchausens is narcissism at it's epitome. Netty, my Lord, child, how do you deal with this?

I have seen it in a somewhat benign form (if that is even a possibility!?) and struggle "is it that or what?" And now I am wondering about a family that is not close to me, and it breaks my heart.

wait, more than that, Munchausens by proxy is pure evil.

I wonder, would you refer to borderline personality disorder as 'narcissism'? Or schizophrenia as 'pure evil'? I'd call them both insidious mental illnesses.

Rereading your post, I can see you might have meant that it is 'evil' that anyone has to suffer like that. I could have misinterpreted what you meant.

Specializes in Nursing assistant.
I wonder, would you refer to borderline personality disorder as 'narcissism'? Or schizophrenia as 'pure evil'? I'd call them both insidious mental illnesses.

Rereading your post, I can see you might have meant that it is 'evil' that anyone has to suffer like that. I could have misinterpreted what you meant.

I was thinking of the act of munchausens by proxy as evil.

No, mental illness is not evil. BPD, schizophrenia and other are illnesses just as biologically based as disorders that reveal themselves in more physical, rather than psychological ways. In fact, OCD studies have indicated that persons with that disorder actually dont have as much white matter as other subjects. I don't thing evil has anything to do with it.

But the act of abusing a child is an evil act, the worst in my book. Does that make more sense?

I certainly think it's possible to be mentally ill and evil at the same time.

Specializes in Acute care, Community Med, SANE, ASC.

I read all of David's books as well as his brother's regarding this case. They are indeed heartbreaking, but I don't believe they represent Munchausen's by proxy. Their mother rarely took them to the doctor or hospital (including when she stabbed David) and, in fact, instructed them to hide any signs and symptoms of their abuse. They were horribly abused but she did not use their abuse to seek medical attention.

Specializes in Nursing assistant.

Munchausen’s by proxy is abuse in its most cruel form. The affect it has on the object is about as damaging as it can get. (When children die just to fulfill a mothers need for attention…..)

but I didnt really answer your questions:

No, I would not call BPD narcissism, I think BPD and NPD are two different diagnosis.

MIght munchausens be seen in NPD in the extreme?..... Is munchausens seen in borderline personality disorder? I dont know.

And no, I don't think schizophrenia is in any way volitional. I see the patient with schizophrenia as the victum of the disease.

Specializes in Transgender Medicine.
I did some massive papers on it during nursing school, a good story of Munchausen by proxy is in David Pelzer's books, the first one is called "A boy named it", I think.

Nurse Kern

I read that book about five years ago. A very good read. It'll make you cry like never before when you learn what happened to this child. Definitely pick it up if you want a good example of this condition. And yes, the title is "A Boy Named It."

I thought A boy named it was about horrible abuse and neglect? I don't remember his mom seeking medical treatment. Is it time for me to re-read the series?

Netty- I have to say you are a strong person and thank you so much for sharing your story so that we can all learn from your experiences. That means a lot to me as a student and as a naturally curious and caring person. You have overcome lots and I applaud you for your courage!

Specializes in NICU.

What happened to David Peltzer was strictly CHILD ABUSE! For whatever reason, he was the scapegoat of the family. His mother starved and abused him, and he never received any medical care. He had to hide the signs of abuse, or suffer more punishment.

Nothing to do with Munchausen by Proxy, his mother never wanted attention drawn to him, or her.

thanks mimi- I thouhgt all this studying was really starting to get to me! I read all his books and could not think of a connection there at all!

I would highly recommend reading David Pelzers books- he overcame so much!!

Specializes in Forensics, Trauma, Pediatrics,.

Another book about Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is "The Life you Longed For" by Maribeth Fischer. It is a great book, I would read it again for sure. The mental illness truly interests me, it is so shocking how someone could do that to their child. And I hope to find out more when I go through NS.

Try reading Sickened; a book written by a woman who suffered through this as a child.

http://weread.com/book/0553381970/Sickened+A+Memoir+of+a+Munchausen+by+Proxy+Childhood/BOK-14109562-1

I need to pick up a copy of the book A Child Called It. I've heard of it before but I never got around to checking it out.

Try reading Sickened; a book written by a woman who suffered through this as a child.

Good book. An intimate look into a very sick family. I was thinking that it's a wonder that some of these kids survive. Then I realized that we'll never hear from the ones who don't.

Hugs and prayers, Netty, for having a valiant spirit. :redbeathe

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