Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard.Photo: GREENE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Gypsy, 32, says caused the disorder led her mother to mentally and physically abuse her, subjecting her to unnecessary medical procedures to the point where Gypsy felt killing Dee Dee was her only option to escape.
“It is also considered in situations where the adult caregiver induces injury in the child, and thus is a form of child abuse. It can occur in a dependent adult as well,” Dr. Schneider tells PEOPLE.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard.Gypsy-Rose Blanchard-Anderson/Instagram
Gypsy-Rose Blanchard-Anderson/Instagram
“Terminology commonly used for this condition is ‘medical child abuse,’" Dr. Schneider adds, “because of the potential or real harm the child suffers.”
But to be clear, he says, “The child is the victim of this disorder, where the caregiver is the perpetrator.”
AsGypsy told PEOPLE, “It was panic, desperation,” that caused her to decide to kill her mother. “I was facing yet another surgery pretty soon, and I really did not want to have the surgery,” she explained.
The syndrome has made headlines before — such as whenEminemaccused his mother, Debbie Nelson, of having the disorder in his 2002 hit “Cleanin’ Out my Closet.”
In it, Eminem raps that he’s a “victim of Münchausen’s Syndrome,” adding, “My whole life I was made to believe I was sick when I wasn’t.”
The lyrics ledNelson to file a defamation suitagainst her son.
For Gypsy, the case was so severe she felt like she had no other option to escape.
“It’s not like I didn’t think about every other option besides murder. I did,” Gypsy told PEOPLE. “Nobody will ever hear me say I’m glad she’s dead or I’m proud of what I did.”
She added. “I regret it every single day.”
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source: people.com
