Munchausen Syndrome By Poxy

Charlotte DaltonMr. Martinez11/28/2016

MBPS

• Rare form of child abuse involving exaggerated or fabricated illness by caretaker (usually the mother)

• AKA medical child abuse• Named after Baron von Munchausen, 18th century

German dignitary known for exaggerated stories about his life experiences or travels to gain attention.

• “by proxy” indicates an adult is making up illness or symptoms and not the child.

About MBPS• A parent or caregiver

fabricates symptoms of illness in a child or elderly they are caring for.

• They can go as far as to cause symptoms through poisoning, medication, or suffocation.

• In 85% of cases the mother is the responsible party.

Characteristics of MBPS

• Parent or caregiver, typically the mother• May be a health care professional • Friendly and cooperative with health care staff• Appears very concerned• May suffer from Munchausen Syndrome

Warning Signs of MBPS• Child has a history of multiple

hospitalizations, usually with a odd group of symptoms.

• Worsening of symptoms reported by caregiver but not witnessed by health care staff.

• Reported condition and symptoms don’t match results of tests.

• Condition improves while hospitalized but recur when at home.

• Blood in samples might not match child’s blood.

• Signs of chemicals in child’s blood, stool, or urine.

Causes of MBPS• Cause is unknown although

biological and psychological factors in the development are being researched.

• Theories suggest past of abuse or neglect in childhood, or loss of a parent.

• Evidence suggests major stress can also trigger MBPS.

MBPS Chart

Diagnosis and Treatment• Diagnosis is difficult because of

the dishonesty involved. Doctors have to rule out any physical ailment before the diagnosis of MBPS is given.

• Successful treatment is difficult since those with it often deny a problem. Success is dependent on the truth being told, even though those with MBPS are so accomplished at lying they tend to have problems telling fact from fiction.

Baron Karl Friedrich von Munchausen

• Had a son Polle who mysteriously died around his 1st birthday.

• Alive from 1720 to 1797• German officer served calvary• Amongst his return he entertained

friends with stories of his adventures, embellishing many details. Over time stories became more outrageous then before.

• Eventually these stories were captured in the 1785 book “The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen”.

• Montey Python alum Terry Gilliam made the book into a movie in 1988

Cites• Webmd.com• Kidshealth.org• Medlineplus.gov• Encyclopedia.com• Medicinenet.com• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov• www.nami.org• www.rightdiagnosis.com• www.howstuffworks.com• www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com• Health.howstuffworks.com• Munchausen.com