What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy, Olive's disorder in 'Mommy Dearest?'

Olive, the character of Camille Prats in GMA Afternoon Prime series "Mommy Dearest," is suffering from a disorder called Munchausen syndrome by proxy.

In an exclusive interview with GMA Drama, "Mommy Dearest" consultant Dr. Ma. Bernadette Arcena explained that Munchausen syndrome involves a person feigning illness even though they are healthy.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy, meanwhile, involves the parent or the caregiver of the patient.

"Ang bata ay ginagawa niyang parang subject 'no na magkakaroon ng sakit," Arcena said.

"Siguro nung una parang parang normal lang na nagke-care ka sa isang tao. Sobrang engrossed ka. But up to the point na nagkaroon ng isolation, withdrawal sa ibang tao and sila-sila lang."

Arcena, a psychiatrist from St. Lukes Medical Center, said the cause of Munchausen syndrome by proxy is not yet clear, but some studies show that might be associated with abuse, neglect, stress, or marital problems. 

"It can be possible na 'yung attention ay gustong-gusto niyang maranasan na hindi niya na nakukuha sa family," she said. "Inaaral n'yo 'yung sakit to make sure no na nandun 'yung simpatiya ng mga tao sa kanila."

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"Halimbawa humihina ng nagkakaroon ng mga tulong sa ibang tao, that can encourage that person na itutuloy na madaming sakit ang isang inaalagaan nila," she added.

It can be rooted from depression or paranoia or a certain preoccupation to the illness.

"Meaning to say kasi sobrang obsessive compulsive ang traits na nakikita natin, sobrang obsessed no doon sa ah konsepto na kailangan may sakit para hindi mawala sa kanyang feeling," Arcena said.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is treated using psychotherapy, but it can be difficult.

"Minsan ang problema talaga o ang isang hadlang sa pagkakaroon ng treatment is the denial na something is wrong with them," she said. "Kailangan mong sabihan siya na may sakit siya eh. Ang taas nga ng denial na walang nangyayari sa kanilang problema."

According to Arcena, what's important is for the patient to have their family beside them to spot the symptoms early.

In "Mommy Dearest," Olive is overprotective towards her daughter, Mookie (Shayne Sava). It's excessive to the point where she administers treatment herself even though she did not pass the physician licensure examination.

The series airs at weekdays at 3:20 p.m. after "Prinsesa ng City Jail."

 

 

 

 

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—MGP, GMA Integrated News