After Gypsy Rose Blanchard's release from prison, an expert revealed how to spot the signs of Munchausen syndrome on her behalf.
Gypsy Rose famously fell victim to the rare disease after lying to the world that her mother, Claudine 'Dee Dee' Blanchard, was terminally ill.
Dee Dee forced Gypsy Rose to use a wheelchair and oxygen tank, and tricked doctors into diagnosing and treating her daughter for conditions including leukemia.
Godejohn was sentenced to life in prison. prison, Meanwhile, Gypsy Rose served seven years of a 10-year sentence.
But what exactly is Munchausen syndrome by proxy?
Psychotherapist Alex Iga-Golabe spoke to the Daily Star and explained the signs of serious mental illness.
The Cleveland Clinic defines Munchausen syndrome as “when someone attempts to gain attention and sympathy by fabricating, inducing, or exaggerating an illness.” They may lie about their symptoms, interfere with medical tests (such as putting blood in their urine), or harm themselves to produce symptoms.
“Surrogation” means lying about someone else's illness.
Golabe said the disease involves “a parent or caregiver intentionally making a child sick, such as by lying that the child is unwell or manipulating test results to achieve a desired outcome.” are involved,” he said. It is classified as a form of child abuse. ”
They added that certain types of people are much more likely to have Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
They explained: “Research shows that almost all abusers are women (97.6%) and mothers of their victims (95.6%). Most are married (75.8%). The perpetrators work in health care professions. (45.6%), having obstetric complications (23.5%), or having a history of childhood abuse (30%).
As for how doctors diagnose this condition, obviously it's very difficult.
“There are no diagnostic criteria, and doctors know very little about this condition,” Golabé said.
“Doctors are also surrounded by disease and high mortality rates in hospitals, so they are more likely to try to treat the child's (victim's) symptoms as legitimate in order to avoid death.”
Warning signs of Munchausen syndrome by proxy in children include repeated hospitalizations, symptoms that don't match test results or don't fit any disease, and symptoms that improve under medical care but seem to get worse at home, according to Heathline. It is said to be included.
Warning bells for caregivers include attention-seeking behavior, trying to appear selfless, refusing to leave the child's side to advocate for the child, and being too aggressive with doctors and nurses. , exaggerate symptoms, and appear to be enjoying the hospital stay.
