Dr. Jamye Coffman shared her knowledge of Muchausen syndrome with Amy Robach recently for ABC 20/20’s Jan. 5 episode. Dr. Coffman is the medical director of The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment at Cook Children’s.
The Jan. 5 episode centered on the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who is currently serving a prison sentence after being convicted of the 2015 murder of her mother Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard, who many believe was suffering from Muchausen syndrome. You can view the full episode here.
According to an article on Cook Children’s website, “Medical child abuse is the diagnosis given to a child whose parent or guardian is suspected of lying about their medical history, leading to unnecessary treatments and procedures. This condition was formerly known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy. The abuser has what’s known as factitious disorder imposed on another.” The article reports that the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office has investigated 19 reports of medical child abuse since January 2009.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR PREVENTION OF CHILD MALTREATMENT AT COOK CHILDREN’S
The Center for Prevention of Child Maltreatment is working to make North Texas one of the safest places to raise a child.
Child maltreatment includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. The youngest children, age 0-3, are the most vulnerable.
Find out more here.
