Understanding Munchausen's Syndrome: The Hidden Struggle for Attention
All forms of abuse generally are enmeshment, in some respect right. You're talking about a level of getting my needs met and treating the child as an object such that their existence and their health is not a priority to me.
What drives someone to fake illness or even harm themselves for attention? In this episode of 'Power of the Mind', hosts Elicia Morigeau and Gregory Struve, a seasoned mental health expert from Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, tackle the perplexing world of Munchausen's Syndrome and Munchausen by Proxy. These disorders are not just about seeking attention; they involve deep psychological complexities that can have severe consequences for both the individual and those around them.
Struve and Morigeau break down how these conditions compare to borderline personality disorder, where the need for attention can lead to self-harm or upsetting others. They share real-life examples, like a woman who thrived on the care she received from her mother during illness. The episode also explores how childhood experiences shape these behaviors and the importance of intervention through therapy or community support.
Struve highlights the role of DBT adherent treatment and practical tools that can help individuals navigate these challenging disorders. Tune in for a compassionate and insightful discussion that sheds light on the hidden struggles behind Munchausen's Syndrome.