The Steve Wilkos Show Season 15 Episode 70 Munchausen By Proxy

The Steve Wilkos Show season 15 episode 70 titled "Munchausen By Proxy" is a one-hour long investigation into a rare form of child abuse where a parent or caregiver creates the symptoms of illness in a child or makes up stories about the child to get attention. This rare psychological disorder is known as Munchausen By Proxy or Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA). The host, Steve Wilkos, invites guests who have either suffered from this form of child abuse or been accused of perpetrating it.

The episode opens with Steve introducing the viewers to the concept of Munchausen by Proxy, its symptoms, and the devastating effect it has on the child. He then invites the first guest, a mother named Michelle, to the stage. Michelle is accused by her ex-husband of creating fake illnesses and symptoms in their son to gain attention from medical professionals and sympathy from family members. The child, who is present on the show, is seen wearing an oxygen mask and a feeding tube. Michelle defends herself, saying that her son has a rare disorder that causes breathing difficulties and his feeding tube is necessary.

However, Steve is skeptical and decides to bring in a medical professional to examine the child. The doctor reveals that the child's symptoms might be fabricated, and his feeding tube and oxygen mask might not be necessary. Michelle breaks down in tears, realizing that she might have caused harm to her son. Steve offers counselling, and the child and the father leave the show.

Next, Steve invites another guest, a father named Juan, who is accused of creating symptoms in his daughter to gain sympathy from others. Juan denies the accusations, saying that his daughter has been sick since birth. However, the child's mother claims that she has witnessed Juan induce vomiting in the child, and her medical reports show inconsistent diagnosis and treatments. The child, who is present on the show, is seen with a hand brace and a neck brace. Steve again calls in a medical professional, who examines the child and concludes that the symptoms might be fabricated.

Juan is asked to take a polygraph test, which he agrees to. The test is conducted, and the results are revealed, which show that Juan was lying when he said that he did not create the symptoms in his daughter. Steve is appalled and offers counselling to the family.

The next guest on the show is a mother named Lacey, who has been accused of Munchausen by Proxy by her mother. Lacey denies the accusations, saying that her son has been diagnosed with a rare disorder that causes seizures and requires medication. However, her mother reiterates that she witnessed Lacey deliberately cause seizures in her son to get attention from medical professionals and her family.

Medical records are brought in, and it is revealed that the child has been prescribed medications for seizures that he does not need. The doctor also concludes that some of the symptoms might be fabricated. Lacey breaks down in tears, realizing that she might have caused harm to her son unintentionally.

Steve ends the episode by saying that Munchausen by Proxy is a rare form of child abuse, and if anyone notices signs of it, they should speak up and report it. The show offers counselling and resources for anyone who might need it. The episode sheds light on a topic that is not often talked about and highlights the importance of speaking up against child abuse.