Module 8: 3/2-3/8/2026 ‘Mommy Dead and Dearest’ Discussion

This week, please watch ‘Mommy Dead and Dearest’. This is a documentary, which I believe most will find quite intriguing, to say the least. The documentary was released in 2017 and is the true-crime story of Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose; exploring the controversial psychological condition Factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA), also known as fabricated or induced illness by carers (FII) and the first named as Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSbP) is a mental health disorder in which a caregiver creates the appearance of health problems in another person, typically their child, and sometimes (rarely) when an adult simulates an illness in another adult partner. This might include altering test samples or injuring a child. The caregiver or partner then presents the person as being sick or injured Permanent injury or death of the victim can occur as a result of the disorder. The behavior might be motivated by the caregiver or partner seeking sympathy or attention.

1. In your opinion, why did Gypsy’s doctors accept Dee Dees homemade medical records? How was Gypsy able to have her own personal Facebook? And to get an account on a Christian dating site? Her mom was incredibly overprotective, so its interesting that Gypsy was able to sneak this by her.

2.How did absolutely no one see any signs that Gypsy was being mistreated? Is Gypsys father to blame-at least in part-to the development of MBP?

3.Why did Gypsy feel that her mother dying was the only way out? Was Gypsy justified in her act? Why or why not?

4. Why did Dee Dee film so many home videos? Considering that she was so secretive, this seems counterintuitive. How did Gypsy become so eloquent, since her mother only allowed her to obtain a second grade-level education?

5. Should her doctors face repercussions for treating Gypsy, and not discovering she was not actually ill? What systemic changes been made in law and health care to ensure this cannot happen again?

6.Considering that Dee Dees family knew of her fraudulent activities and knew that she was very dangerous, why didnt anybody try to get custody of Gypsy? Or, at the very least, check in on Gypsys well-being?

7. Why did Dee Dee put Gypsy in ballet class when she knew that Gypsy was supposed to appear paralyzed? Was this another cry for attention and sympathy?

8. Does Nicks disorder (ASD) Or reported, but never founded disorder (DID), have any place in the case? Should it have been used more in his defense? Why or why not? He is currently serving a life-sentence after pleading guilty to Dee Dees murder.

9. What are your thoughts on their intimate relationship? They first meet and have intercourse in a movie theater restroom, which proceeds to role play. How do two sheltered people develop such a relationship with one another?

10. Does Gypsys submissive role mimic her role with her mother? Could this explain her behavior?