Introduction

The Curse of the "Syndrome"

Baron Von Munchausen, videocover

What are Munchausens Syndrome and Munchausens Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP)? Well, syndrome is a nice term for We havent got a clue as to what it is! Munchausens Syndrome was named for Baron Von Munchausen, a teller of tall tales back in 18^th century Germany. He added some quite lively details to his exploits and mishaps that caused a great deal of eye-rolling and groaning among his listeners. So Munchausens Syndrome really means Telling Fantastical Stories, and Munchausens Syndrome by Proxy really means Telling Fantastical Stories About Someone Else. Syndrome simply means havent got a scientifically proven (or even agreed upon) cause and diagnosis for what we observe. While the DSM-IV, the bible of psychiatric illness, has an in-depth description and explanation for the labeling of Munchausens Syndrome as a psychological diagnosis and MSBP as a behavioral trait of certain persons, there is little recognition that people with MSBP are psychologically and behaviorally similar to all other serial killers.

Because of the confusion about Munchausens Syndrome, no one really knows what to do with a patient who keeps showing up with complaints about her own health. After all, she isnt hurting anyone but herself, so we dont need to be that concerned about her behavior. But is Munchausens Syndrome just a womans disease? Not at all. Men are not immune to Munchausens Syndrome, because it is is nothing but a label for a psychopath who seeks attention by using herself or himself as a foil. When these pathological behaviors are labeled syndromes, professionals often fail to see people with Munchausens Syndrome to be in complete control of their behavior. They are not confused or schizophrenic. They have not lost touch with reality. They know exactly what they are doing and who they are doing it to.