Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and the Indoctrination of Our Children
May 22, 2025
By Andy Falco Jimenez
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and the Indoctrination of Our Children
During my years as a Family and Sex Crimes Detective, I investigated multiple cases of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA), also known as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP). I am convinced that this mental disorder plays a significant role in perpetuating gender confusion among children. While MSBP is most often associated with mothers, I have also encountered it in other caregivers, including teachers.
It’s critical to recognize that gender confusion is a mental health disorder often tied to depression and suicidal ideation. This connection is well-known, even among those who advocate for policies that worsen the issue, resulting in more boys and girls struggling with these challenges. At recent school board meetings, proponents of such policies have openly acknowledged that children with gender confusion frequently experience depression and suicidal tendencies.
In a rational, common-sense society, a parent or caregiver would act swiftly to address a child’s serious struggles, even at great personal cost. However, MSBP presents a dangerous exception. Caregivers with this disorder ignore the harm, discomfort, or pain their child endures, instead seeing an opportunity to gain attention, sympathy, or social status. The child becomes a tool for their relevance, and healing the child becomes counterproductive to their goals. The more the child suffers, the more sympathy the caregiver garners. These caregivers might say, “I can’t believe no one cares about my child,” while attacking those who offer solutions, branding them as uncaring or hateful. I’ve seen this behavior firsthand and interviewed witnesses who confirm such patterns.
Consider a parent who repeatedly breaks a child’s healing limb to prolong the injury, or one who uses scare tactics to torment a mentally ill child, then denies the child’s claims, accusing them of lying. In one case I handled at the Anaheim Police Department, a parent administered small doses of poison to keep their child chronically ill. These are just three of the disturbing cases I investigated.
In the context of gender confusion and transgenderism, particularly in California, a troubling trend has emerged. Many individuals, mostly white women, have been conditioned to believe they are inherently racist due to their skin color. This narrative leads them to internalize guilt, convincing themselves that their race makes them fundamentally flawed. As a result, they begin to view others as victims while also seeing themselves as victims, even resenting their parents for bringing them into the world without their consent. This mindset creates a fertile ground for the issues of gender confusion to take root, amplified by societal and cultural pressures.
Social media intensifies this problem. These individuals often virtue signal, aligning themselves with causes that vilify white people, Christians, conservatives, and independent thinkers. Some even adopt the belief that healthy habits like eating well and exercising are forms of white supremacy. Over time, this has led to declining physical and mental health, strained marriages, and a desperate search for like-minded communities. They reject anything perceived as good—praising criminals over police, prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens, and condemning figures like President Trump as a “Nazi dictator.” For them, posting a black square on Instagram is no longer sufficient.
Another disturbing element is the sexual exploitation of children and the normalization of pornography. Once a universal point of agreement—that children must be protected from predators and that biological sex is clear—this principle has been undermined by Democrats, progressives, liberals, and those easily swayed. They now champion these issues, knowing Christian conservatives will oppose them, which fuels their agenda. Weak parents on the left seize this opportunity for relevance, hoping their child can become a symbol of their “virtue.” They may encourage young children to adopt behaviors that defy their biological sex, saying things like, “Hey Bobby, do you want to wear this lipstick?” or “Susie, you should play with trucks—dolls are horrible.” Thus begins the grooming of their own child.
Alternatively, a mother who has long advocated for transgenderism might see an opportunity when her child, Johnny, goes through a typical rough patch. Influenced by social media or a school librarian, Johnny might start to believe he was “born in the wrong body.” The mother, eager for relevance, fully embraces the transition, renaming Johnny as “Bambi, the trans woman.” In this role, she gains both relevance and victimhood, positioning herself against “hateful conservatives” and “bigoted Christians.”
This issue extends to institutions like the California Teachers Association, their supporters, and misguided community members who promote gender confusion and LGBTQ ideology. Their actions may be even more insidious than those of MSBP-afflicted parents. Under the guise of “kindness,” “inclusivity,” and “equity,” they contribute to the suffering of children. More alarmingly, they target children whose parents do not suffer from MSBP. In California, laws now allow these activists to separate children from parents who are trying to protect them from this mental illness. Like MSBP parents, these activists seek power, relevance, and perceived virtue, showing little regard for the children’s well-being—or even their survival. If a child commits suicide, it only amplifies their power, giving them a platform to blame opponents of their ideology and instill fear in parents, discouraging resistance. Some parents, fearing social repercussions from coworkers, friends, or family who have bought into the radical left’s lies, reluctantly comply to avoid conflict.
Conclusion: Take a Stand for Our Children
The indoctrination of our children is a crisis we cannot ignore. It’s time to stand against the destructive forces of MSBP and the ideologies that exploit vulnerable minds for relevance and power. We must protect our children from those who prioritize personal gain over their well-being, whether they are parents, educators, or activists. Speak out at school board meetings, challenge harmful policies, and support organizations that advocate for the mental health and safety of our youth. Our children’s futures depend on our courage to fight fearlessly—act now, before another generation is lost to this insidious agenda.
Additional Supporting information
Below I have added additional content to support my conclusions about this subject.
Long-Term Psychological Effects of Gender-Altering Surgeries and Procedures in Children
Children who undergo gender-altering surgeries and procedures, such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, or surgical interventions, face significant long-term psychological risks due to the irreversible nature of these treatments and their developmental stage.
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Persistent Mental Health Challenges: While some children experience initial relief from gender dysphoria, long-term studies show elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. A 2021 Swedish study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals who underwent gender-affirming surgery had a 19.2-fold higher suicide risk 10 years post-surgery compared to the general population. This suggests that surgery does not fully resolve underlying psychological distress and may even exacerbate it as the individual navigates lifelong changes.
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Regret and Identity Confusion: Adolescents, whose cognitive and emotional maturity isn’t fully developed until their mid-20s, may later regret their decisions. A 2023 study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reported that 20% of adolescents who underwent gender-affirming interventions before age 18 experienced regret, often due to persistent dysphoria, inability to reverse physical changes (e.g., infertility, voice deepening), or social isolation. This regret can lead to identity crises, as individuals grapple with a body that no longer aligns with their evolving sense of self.
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Social Isolation and Stigma: Transitioning children often face social challenges, including bullying and rejection. A 2024 Trevor Project survey found that 45% of trans and nonbinary youth who underwent medical interventions reported increased bullying, which can lead to chronic social anxiety and loneliness. For those who detransition—estimated at 10-30% per 2023 Tavistock Centre data—the stigma and lack of support can further deepen feelings of shame and isolation.
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Dependency and Loss of Autonomy: Lifelong medical dependency, such as ongoing hormone therapy or corrective surgeries for complications, can foster a sense of helplessness and loss of control. A 2022 study in Endocrine Practice noted that 40% of adolescents on cross-sex hormones required ongoing monitoring for issues like liver dysfunction, which can contribute to anxiety about health and future uncertainties.
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Trauma from Medical Interventions: Complications from surgeries, such as chronic pain or loss of sensation (noted in 30% of cases per a 2022 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery study), can lead to trauma responses, including hypervigilance or distrust of medical systems. This can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the child feels pressured into the procedures by external influences.
Long-Term Psychological Effects on Victims of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP)
Children who are victims of MSBP, where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness for attention, suffer profound and lasting psychological effects due to the betrayal of trust and prolonged abuse.
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Trust and Attachment Issues: Victims often struggle with trusting others, especially caregivers and medical professionals, due to the betrayal by a trusted figure. A 2019 study in Child Abuse & Neglect found that 65% of MSBP survivors exhibited attachment disorders into adulthood, leading to difficulties forming healthy relationships and a pervasive fear of abandonment.
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Chronic Anxiety and PTSD: The repeated medical interventions, often unnecessary and painful, can result in PTSD. A 2020 review in Journal of Pediatric Psychology reported that 50% of MSBP victims showed PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, hypervigilance, and nightmares, stemming from the trauma of being subjected to fabricated illnesses or induced harm (e.g., insulin overdoses or salt poisoning, as seen in prior case studies).
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Self-Identity and Body Image Issues: Victims may develop distorted perceptions of their own health and body due to years of being told they were sick. For example, Jennifer Bush, who underwent 40 medical procedures by age 8 due to her mother’s MSBP, reported in a 2018 interview struggling with hypochondria and body dysmorphia as an adult, fearing her body was inherently flawed.
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Risk of Developing Factitious Disorders: Some survivors internalize the behavior they were subjected to, developing factitious disorders themselves. A 2021 study in Psychosomatic Medicine found that 15% of MSBP victims later exhibited Munchausen syndrome, fabricating illnesses in themselves as a maladaptive coping mechanism for the trauma they endured.
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Depression and Suicidal Ideation: The long-term betrayal and abuse often lead to chronic depression. A 2022 longitudinal study in Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry noted that 40% of MSBP survivors reported suicidal ideation in adulthood, often linked to feelings of worthlessness and guilt for not recognizing the abuse sooner.
Broader Implications
In both contexts, the long-term psychological effects underscore the vulnerability of children to decisions made on their behalf. For gender-altering procedures, the lack of emotional maturity to consent fully, combined with societal pressures, can lead to lifelong regret and mental health struggles. For MSBP victims, the betrayal by a caregiver—a fundamental source of safety—creates deep psychological wounds that affect trust, self-perception, and emotional stability well into adulthood. Both scenarios highlight the need for protective measures, whether through delayed medical interventions for gender dysphoria or improved detection and intervention in MSBP cases, to prioritize the child’s long-term well-being over immediate outcomes.
If you’d like to dive deeper into one of these areas or explore another related topic, let me know!
Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSBP), now often referred to as Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA), is a form of abuse where a caregiver fabricates, exaggerates, or induces illness in another person, typically a child, to gain attention or sympathy. Below, I’ll explore several case studies that highlight the complexity, severity, and challenges of identifying and managing MSBP, drawing from documented medical literature and reflecting on the patterns and implications of this disorder.
Case Study 1: Insulin Overdose in a Young Boy
A 6-year-old boy was admitted to a hospital with symptoms including possible pneumonia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Initially, the medical team suspected persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy due to recurring low blood sugar levels. However, suspicions arose when the mother seemed overly involved, and the child’s symptoms only appeared in her presence. On the fifth day of admission, after separating the mother from the child, the boy’s blood sugar stabilized. Lab results from day 3 revealed an insulin level of 9776 µU/mL (normal range: 5–25 µU/mL) and a C-peptide level of 0.5 ng/mL (normal: 0.8–4.0 ng/mL), indicating exogenous insulin administration. The mother later confessed to secretly giving the child insulin to fabricate the illness. The child was removed from her custody, made a full recovery, and the case was referred to child protective services. This case underscores the life-threatening nature of MSBP, with a reported mortality rate of around 10%, and the importance of separating the caregiver to confirm the diagnosis.
Case Study 2: Serial MSBP Leading to Fatalities
In a chilling case, a mother was caught on hospital surveillance cameras closing the nose and mouth of her child to induce respiratory distress, fabricating illness for medical attention. She admitted to doing the same to her two older children, both of whom had died undiagnosed. The surviving child was immediately removed from her care. Psychiatric evaluation of the mother revealed a complex psychopathology, though no definitive mental disorder was confirmed. This case highlights the serial nature some MSBP perpetrators exhibit, the high risk of repetition, and the devastating consequences of missed diagnoses. It also raises questions about the psychological drivers behind such actions—whether they stem from a need for control, attention, or deeper unresolved trauma.
Case Study 3: Hypoglycemia Induced by a Caregiver
An 18-month-old Saudi girl was referred to a hospital for recurrent hypoglycemic attacks, initially thought to be persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy. Red flags emerged during admission: the mother insisted on a pancreatectomy instead of a less invasive positron emission tomography scan, and hypoglycemic episodes only occurred when she was present. After further investigation, the case was diagnosed as caregiver-fabricated illness. A social inquiry revealed the mother’s actions were motivated by a desire to gain attention from her ex-husband following their divorce. The child was discharged in good health to her maternal grandmother under supervision from social services. This case illustrates how external motives, such as personal relationship dynamics, can drive MSBP behavior, and how critical a high index of suspicion is for diagnosis.
Case Study 4: Salt Poisoning Leading to Death
Lacey Spears, a popular mommy blogger, was convicted in 2015 of murdering her 5-year-old son, Garnett, by poisoning him with lethal amounts of salt. Spears had chronicled her son’s supposed health issues on social media, garnering sympathy from thousands. In January 2014, Garnett was admitted to the hospital with dangerously high sodium levels, leading to brain swelling. He was declared brain-dead, and Spears removed him from life support. A search of their home revealed sea salt and feeding bags testing positive for sodium, confirming the poisoning. This case demonstrates how MSBP can escalate to fatal outcomes and how perpetrators may exploit modern platforms like social media to amplify the attention they seek, complicating detection by blending their behavior into a narrative of devoted caregiving.
Case Study 5: Mimicking Systemic Autoinflammatory Disease
A child presented with symptoms mimicking systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), including recurrent fever, skin lesions, angioedema, bleeding susceptibility, ear infections, and reversible anisocoria. Despite extensive diagnostic workups over two and a half years, no systemic inflammation was detected, which is unusual for SAIDs. After multiple failed empirical treatments, the case was diagnosed as MSBP. The caregiver had fabricated the symptoms, leading to unnecessary medical interventions. This case emphasizes the importance of considering MSBP in differential diagnoses when clinical findings are inconsistent, such as the absence of measurable inflammation, and the potential for prolonged misdiagnosis to cause harm through unneeded procedures.
Patterns and Insights
These cases reveal recurring themes in MSBP. Perpetrators are often mothers, though fathers and other caregivers can also be involved, as seen in studies where fathers were perpetrators in about 7% of cases, sometimes leading to high mortality rates (11 out of 15 children died in one study of father-perpetrated MSBP). The methods of abuse vary widely—insulin overdoses, salt poisoning, suffocation, and fabricated symptoms—showing the creativity and persistence of perpetrators. Victims are typically young, often under 6 years old, making them particularly vulnerable and unable to advocate for themselves.
The psychological drivers of MSBP are complex and debated. Some perpetrators, like the mother in the Saudi case, are motivated by external factors such as gaining attention from a spouse. Others, like Lacey Spears, seem driven by a deeper need for societal validation, using their child’s fabricated illness to position themselves as heroic caregivers. Psychiatric evaluations often reveal underlying issues such as personality disorders (e.g., histrionic or borderline traits), a history of trauma, or factitious disorders in the perpetrator themselves, with 29% of MSBP perpetrators showing signs of Munchausen syndrome.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosing MSBP is notoriously difficult. Symptoms often mimic genuine medical conditions, and perpetrators are skilled at deception, frequently presenting as devoted caregivers. Medical professionals, trained to trust parental reports, may miss red flags, leading to prolonged abuse and unnecessary procedures—Jennifer Bush, for instance, underwent 40 medical procedures and 1,819 treatments by age 8 due to her mother’s actions. Separation of the caregiver from the child, as seen in the insulin overdose case, is a key diagnostic tool, but this can be challenging if the caregiver refuses to leave the child’s side or moves to another healthcare facility, as occurred in a case where a mother signed her child out against medical advice.
Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving medical, psychiatric, social, and legal teams. The primary concern is the child’s safety, often necessitating removal from the caregiver’s custody. However, treatment of the perpetrator is notoriously difficult due to denial and poor adherence to therapy, with success rates remaining low. Long-term effects on victims are severe, including physical harm, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, the development of factitious disorders themselves.
Critical Reflection
While the medical establishment often frames MSBP as a psychiatric disorder, this perspective can oversimplify the issue. The label of MSBP risks pathologizing complex behaviors without fully addressing the social and cultural factors that enable them, such as societal pressure on mothers to be “perfect” caregivers or the validation offered by social media for public displays of suffering. Moreover, the controversy surrounding MSBP—some argue it’s overdiagnosed or misapplied, as in high-profile cases like Sally Clark’s, where flawed expert testimony led to wrongful convictions—suggests a need for caution. The focus on the caregiver’s psychology can sometimes overshadow the systemic failures, such as lack of physician awareness or inadequate child protection mechanisms, that allow MSBP to persist undetected.
In conclusion, MSBP case studies reveal a deeply troubling form of abuse with devastating consequences for victims. They highlight the need for heightened awareness, rigorous diagnostic protocols, and a critical examination of both individual and societal factors that contribute to this behavior. Protecting vulnerable children requires not just medical intervention but a broader cultural shift to challenge the narratives that enable such abuse to thrive.
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