The Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a common ailment that has been evident for some time now. However, it is a syndrome that is not clearly understood as the scientist is still doing more research on it. To be precise, the syndrome is just but a little behavior pattern that is propagated by a caregiver to the dependent. It occurs in such a way that a spouse either exaggerates or fabricates and induces some form of mental or physical health to those that they care for. Researchers have discovered that parents do this with the primary objective of either gaining sympathy or attention from other individuals (Criddle, 2010).
However, this syndrome still possesses a significant challenge regarding its understanding or definition. Nonetheless, it's regarded as a form of child abuse that is not yet clearly understood (Criddle 2010). Research has revealed that Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a potentially lethal syndrome because it is an elusive form of behavior. The syndrome has elucidated numerous debates from both the legal and social platforms since it is not yet understood succinctly, its definition is quite dwindling and cannot be understood by legal experts, researchers and the local community members. Moreover, the syndrome has been confused on several occasions in court proceedings, apparently, on several occasions; it has been confused to be sudden infant death syndrome (Monica, 2013).
The syndrome is solely pegged on and perpetuated by caregivers or parents for gaining the attention of the medical practitioners. Parents are thought to be exaggerating these symptoms to establish some form of medical relationship between them and the medical experts (Monica, 2013). The syndrome comes with some symptoms. However, the most notable ones are vomiting, infections, rashes, bleeding and lack of progress. However, most of these symptoms are likely to be faked as doctors are not able to establish their occurrence or non-occurrence. These are just but a few reasons that make it quite difficult to understand (Criddle, 2010).
References
Criddle, L. (2010). Monsters in the Closet: Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (PDF). CriticalCareNurse (American Association of Critical-Care Nurse),
Monica, M. (2013). Child Abuse and Neglect: A Review of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. Second Edition. Routledge: Psychology Press.
