Factitious disorder by proxy (FDP) is a serious mental health issue that affects parents and caregivers who fabricate signs and symptoms in their children.
It can be challenging to navigate, and parents need to learn about FDP to take the necessary steps to protect their children.
What is FDP?
Factitious disorder by proxy (FDP) is also known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP).
It refers to a situation in which an adult, usually a parent or caregiver, deliberately exaggerates or fabricates medical symptoms in another person—usually their child.
The goal of the person with FDP is typically to gain attention and sympathy for themselves through their child’s illness.
Read more: What is Parental Alienation?
Signs of FDP
Several signs may indicate that someone has FDP.
These include;
- taking the child frequently to different doctors,
- not following medical advice,
- exaggerating or fabricating symptoms,
- appearing overly eager for medical tests,
- and being overly concerned about the child’s health when others are not.
If you suspect your child may be experiencing this type of abuse, it is important to seek help immediately.
Read more: Parental Alienation – Domestic Abuse?
Ways to Protect Your Child from FDP
The best way to protect your child from FDP is prevention. First, parents need to be aware of the signs of FDP, so they can identify it early if it does occur.
Parents should also understand the importance of getting regular check-ups for their children and encouraging healthy habits such as diet and exercise.
Additionally, if you have any concerns about your own behaviour or the behaviour of the other parent towards your child, it is essential that you seek professional help right away.
Conclusion
Protecting your child from factitious disorder by proxy requires awareness and education from parents and caregivers.
By understanding what FDP looks like, how it can manifest itself in different forms, and how it can be prevented before it happens, parents can take the necessary steps to ensure their children remain safe from this type of abuse.
If you suspect that someone close to your family might have FDP or MSBP, don’t hesitate to reach out for help right away!
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Having dealt with these kinds of issues before, we may be able to assist you with that analysis and develop the persuasive legal strategy that you need to succeed in your case.
Our goal is to help you find a resolution that works for you.
