Munchausen Syndrome

Michigan Munchausen Syndrome
Law Information
CPS Defense Attorney

The term Munchausen Syndrome was first developed in 1951 by British physician Richard Asher. This describes a psychological disorder where a patient invents or brings on an illness or disease in an attempt to draw attention or sympathy. These may also be referred to as factitious disorders, and the symptoms are often either self-induced or are falsified by the patient.

Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP) is another form of this disease which was first identified in 1977 by Roy Meadow, a British pediatrician. Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy describes a psychological disorder wherein a caregiver (often a parent) intentionally produces or feigns symptoms of illness in another person (often a child). The caregiver is then able to assume the role of the ill or injured individual by proxy. The aim of the perpetrator in this case, just as with Munchausen Syndrome itself, is to receive attention and sympathy from others. However, in the case of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, the perpetrator receives this sympathy as the caregiver of the sick or injured child. For more information on Munchausen Syndrome, see the Cleveland Clinic’s info page here.

Child Abuse and Munchausen
Syndrome by Proxy

MSBP may be diagnosed by doctors in cases where a child becomes ill without a viable medical explanation and when the doctor is unable to diagnose the cause. Concerned parents could therefore find themselves facing child abuse or child neglect charges when they did nothing wrong!

The Michigan child abuse defense attorneys at Kronzek & Cronkright are experienced in helping clients who have been accused of intentionally making their children sick. These parents face criminal charges, termination of parental rights, and the loss of custody of their child or children. Our attorneys understand what you are going through and how important it is to provide aggressive legal representation immediately.

Child Abuse Defense
Attorneys in Michigan

Diagnosing Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy has become a much more common occurrence in Michigan Children’s Protective Services proceedings. We have seen many parents face false allegations of child abuse when in fact their child developed a serious illness at no fault of the parents. As such, it is our goal to defend your rights and protect your family in the face of allegations involving Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy.

Contact a Michigan child abuse defense lawyer at our firm regarding your Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy allegations.