|
Question Is Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy (MSBP) an illness that only affects women? What are the most common causes of MSBP? How is it usually treated? Answer Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy is a unique form of child abuse where a seemingly caring and concerned Mother is simultaneously harming her child so she can gain attention from a physician. Victims and their siblings suffer serious physiological and psychological damage and sometimes death. The Mother's relationship with a physician is rooted in a profound sense of early emotional neglect and psychological abandonment. These women have serious identity problems stemming from a disordered and severely dysfunctional childhood. A commonly held theory is that these women suffered a traumatic loss early in life such as a lack of love and attention as an infant due to the parent's neglect and abusive treatment. The mother uses her infant in a sadomasochistic interaction with physicians. The infant is dehumanized and used as a fetishistic object to control the relationship with the physician. These women are described as "manipulative" narcissists who convey seething anger. There are resemblances to the kind of psychopathy seen in unrepentant murderers. They have a poorly developed capacity for feeling guilt. MSBP is an enduring form of behavior. Psychological treatment is very difficult and usually unsuccessful due to the mother's level of denial, her pathological lying and psychiatric diagnoses such as hysteria, sociopathy and borderline personality disorders. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to rehabilitate these women. However, it is important for family and friends to become knowledgeable about this devastating disorder and to do whatever necessary to protect the children. For additional information, please contact The Rice - Lewis Clinic. Answered by: Maurine Richardson, M.S.W. |