DFW Father Gains Custody of His Son, Mom Thought to Have Factitious Disorder

By THC Staff | December 22, 2017

 

Factitious disorder is often referred to as Munchausen syndrome, though that term is deemed to be outdated by the Mayo Clinic. Cases of the mental disorder can range from mild to severe and are characterized by deceiving “others by appearing sick, by purposely getting sick or by self-injury. Factitious disorder also can happen when family members or caregivers falsely present others, such as children, as being ill, injured or impaired.”

Factitious disorder has become a hot topic lately in Texas when Kaylene Bowen was arrested due to child abuse. According to the Star-Telegram, Bowen allegedly subjected her son to 13 unnecessary surgeries and countless other medical procedures and doctors visits. The boy’s father, Ryan Crawford, says he filed several reports with CPS but was not taken seriously by authorities until recently. Now, the news reports that he’s been granted temporary custody of his son.

“God answers prayers. We’ve been praying for eight years…We’re so happy. This is a day we’ll never forget and celebrate. Y’all rest assured, he’s going to be well taken care of because he is loved,” Nelly Crawford, Ryan’s mother, told the news.

Bowen will undergo a psychological evaluation and therapy. Crawford and his son will also receive counseling.