Munchausen’s: Criminal Implications
Munchausen’s Syndrome is considered a form of medical child abuse in terms of physical abuse and medical neglect. This type of abuse is considered to be pre-meditated. Medical providers are considered a mandatory reporting entity, but many do not recognize the syndrome or get “sucked into” the sympathy for the caregiver. “Even when fabricated illness […]
Munchausen’s: The Offender
What the Caregiver Might Do to Mimic Illness in the Child: Adding chemicals to the child’s urine or stool Withhold food so the child looks like they are anorexic Make up lab results to be abnormal Give the child drugs to make the child throw up or have diarrhea and abdominal pain Infect an intravenous […]
Munchausen’s: The Victim
According to the literature, boys and girls are equally victimized in Munchausen’s Syndrome, and 77% to 90% of the time, the perpetrator is the child’s biological mother. In addition, 29% of perpetrators have symptoms of Munchausen Syndrome themselves. What the Victim Might Look Like: Failure to thrive due to nutritional neglect Child has a history […]
Munchausen’s: Definition
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy was first described in 1951 by a British physician, but it was not until 1977 that the condition was labeled “Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy” by pediatrician Roy Meadow. The syndrome was defined as, “a condition in which a parent or other caretaker persistently fabricates symptoms on behalf of another, causing that […]
Cluster C: Avoidant and Obsessive Compulsive
Avoidant Personality Disorder The symptoms of avoidant personality disorder are similar to social phobia except that in the personality disorder the avoidance is present in all social situations. Social phobia symptoms are usually more specific such as speaking or eating in public. Attorneys need to be aware when communicating with individuals who have avoidant personality […]
Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster C”
Cluster C is a subset of personality disorders that includes avoidant, dependent and obsessive compulsive personality disorders. These disorders are characterized by anxious and fearful thinking and behavior. The following is fictional example of how an individual with a cluster C personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. Mary was the beloved […]
Cluster B: Borderline, Histrionic and Narcissistic
John from our case study is a fictional example of a client who has an antisocial personality disorder, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for the rights of others. He meets the criteria of having a conduct disorder with onset before age 15. An individual must also meet three of the following criteria to be diagnosed […]
Personality Disorders: Defining “Cluster B”
Cluster B personality traits are dramatic, emotional and attention seeking. They include: Antisocial Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Histrionic Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The following is an example of how an individual with a cluster B personality disorder may require the services of a criminal attorney. John is a 25 year old construction […]
Personality Disorders: Legal Implications
The legal nurse advised the attorney that the best way to communicate with John was to be calm and matter of fact. She told the attorney that a warm and friendly approach would be likely to cause suspicion. She also advised the attorney to avoid joking and whispering in his presence. An assessment was done […]
Personality Disorder: Case Study
The following is a fictional case study about a client who is arrested and has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. As you read the case, think about what the diagnosis might be and the most effective way for the attorney to communicate with this client. Next week we will discuss further. John is a 40 […]
