Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental disorder and form
of child abuse in which a caregiver-usually a mother-claims or causes an
illness in another person, usually her child. The caregiver may directly hurt
the child to produce symptoms or may cause the child to undergo unnecessary
medical tests or treatments that are often painful and potentially harmful.
A caregiver may:
- Falsely claim a child has experienced serious
symptoms, such as seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, or apnea.
- Contaminate test results to make a child appear
ill.
- Physically harm the child to produce symptoms.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (also called factitious disorder by
proxy) sometimes is triggered by a child having a true illness from which the
caregiver gains attention and satisfaction. A caregiver sometimes victimizes
more than one child but not at the same time. A child who is a victim of
Munchausen syndrome by proxy is at increased risk for developing mental health
problems and complications of unnecessary medical treatment.
Diagnosis requires careful scrutiny and documentation by a team of
health professionals who will involve police, children's protective services,
and the courts. The caregiver is held legally accountable for his or her
actions and requires mental health counseling.
