Credit: Inside the MagicDisney is no stranger to Munchausen’s Syndrome. This factitious disorder is a source of much media, like The Sixth Sense, and many child abuse situations. Recent reports suggest that Munchausen Syndrome is more prevalent than ever, thanks in large part to the Walt Disney Company.
Munchausen Syndrome Explained
Until the release of the DSM-V that healthcare providers rely on, Munchausen Syndrome was largely thought a myth. It appears on the Disney+ streaming platform during The Sixth Sense and shows up increasingly as a theme. As awareness grows, more psychologists link Disney to mental illness. The illness seldom got notice, and didn’t classify as a mental disorder. Now, this type of medical child abuse caused by Munchausen Syndrome is much better known.
Learning About Munchausen’s Syndrome
Per official medical reports, the symptoms of this induced illness is hard to see, but it appears that it ties deeply to popular culture. It is a factitious disorder that can be classed among mental disorders. The sufferer, when it’s regular Munchausen Syndrome, gives themselves a sickness to get health care.
When it’s Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, that makes diagnosing Munchausen trickier. Children can believe the lie more easily. This is one of many factors that leave it up to healthwise staff to spot the mental illness condition and help those in danger.
Disney’s Contribution to Munchausen Syndrome
There is a recent report that shows that the proxy syndrome has been propagated by the Walt Disney Company. The proxy type of this personality disorder is Munchausen syndrome situation where the mental health issue focuses on an external topic (usually forming child abuse).
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Examples of Munchausen’s Syndrome in Movies and TV
Consider the example from Sixth Sense, where the mother was poisoning the child as a way to get medical care for a non-existent medical condition. That’s the by-proxy syndrome. Take Sharp Objects, a popular book and miniseries, as an example. The Munchausen patient is the star who cuts words into themselves as a symptom of a specific conversion disorder.
Disney and Munchausen Syndrome
There are variable ways that Disney (and other entertainment powerhouses) can add to the narrative. In fact, a woman spotted a victim of Munchausen’s by Proxy at a Disney Theme Park. Its own movie, Tangled, showed mental illness and motherhood in a whole new light.
However, there are also those who still suffer. Whether its getting special accommodations from Disney, using Make-a-Wish to exploit a false narrative, or simply use Munchausen Syndrome to get unfair advantages. Some even call the new Pinocchio’s Daring Journey to glorify the mental health issue.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from mental health crises, there is help available. Whether it’s Munchausen Syndrome or something else, reaching out is the first step. There are online resources you can turn to and find ways to move forward in a safe, positive way.
Share your thoughts and experiences with Munchausen’s Syndrome in the comments below. We’re stronger together!