My topic is on Munchausen syndrome by proxy. This is a rare condition when a parent or caregiver falsifies the child's symptoms, changes test results to make the child sicker physically harms the child to produce symptoms. The caregiver has a psychological disorder that causes them to do this. This is very dangerous to the child. The caregiver usually has medical skills or experience, seems devoted to the child, looks for sympathy and attention, and tries too hard to become close with the medical staff.
The child can have life long complications from this such as depression and anxiety. The victim suffers through unnecessary tests, surgeries, or other procedures for no reason that can cause more harm when not needed. This can lead to death. It has been reported that the caregiver has added blood or protein to a urine specimen or injected the child with bacteria to cause an infection. Doctors and nurses may suspect a problem when a child has a repeated or unusual illness and no reason can be found.
The child can have life long complications from this such as depression and anxiety. The victim suffers through unnecessary tests, surgeries, or other procedures for no reason that can cause more harm when not needed. This can lead to death. It has been reported that the caregiver has added blood or protein to a urine specimen or injected the child with bacteria to cause an infection. Doctors and nurses may suspect a problem when a child has a repeated or unusual illness and no reason can be found.
New, Michelle. "Kidshealth.org" March 2012 19 November 2013
Ashley, this is a great topic that a lot of people are unaware of. I personally knew a lady who suffered from this illness and most of her friends didn't even suspect anything because many of us had never heard of the disorder before. She ended up moving away and thankfully she was caught by the doctors caring for her child. I think informing people about this disorder may help because they will know what to look for and when to be suspicious.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteWow. What an interesting and great topic. I had no idea that this illness existed, and many other Americans probably don't either. This condition is super scary. I cannot imagine what the child must go through having a parent with this illness. It truly breaks my heart that children have to go through that sort of pain.
Ashley, I have never heard of this before. I have heard of hypo condreacts, but not someone purposely making someone else sick. I feel as Sara and Natasha do, this is a great topic. I can understand now how you had a difficult time finding the research for it.
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