Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental health condition in which a caregiver makes up or causes an injury or illness in another person. MSBP is a form of abuse. It most often occurs between a mother and a child. MSBP is sometimes called other things, such as medical child abuse.
Caregivers may:
MSBP sometimes is a result of a child or vulnerable adult having a true illness from which the caregiver gains attention and satisfaction. A caregiver sometimes harms more than one person under their care but not at the same time. A person who has a caregiver with MSBP is at increased risk for developing mental health conditions and problems from unnecessary medical treatment.
Diagnosis requires a team of health professionals to carefully look at and document a case of MSBP. Police, adult or child protective services, and the courts will also be involved. A caregiver with MSBP will need mental health counseling. The caregiver may also be charged with a crime.
Checking a child's medical records for past tests, treatments, and hospital stays may help a doctor or nurse find out if a health problem is real.
Doctors or nurses may suspect a problem when:
Child protective services, law enforcement, and doctors are all involved in treatment for MSBP. Caregivers who have this condition need long-term counseling. They may resist treatment or deny that there is a problem. Medicines are used only when the caregiver has another health problem, such as anxiety disorder, along with MSBP.
Even after treatment, caregivers may repeat their behavior. So doctors, counselors, and family members need to closely watch how the caregiver interacts with their children.
If a child has a caregiver with MSBP, the first step is to move the child into safe custody. Then a doctor will monitor the child for symptoms. Most of the time, the child's symptoms stop after the child is away from the caregiver. Some children need counseling or other help.
A person with MSBP often:
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental health condition in which a caregiver makes up or causes an illness or injury in a person under their care, such as a child, an elderly adult, or a person who has a disability. Because vulnerable people are victims, it is a form of child abuse or elder abuse. MSBP is sometimes called other things, such as medical child abuse.
The caregiver with MSBP may:
Victims are most often small children. They may get painful medical tests they don't need. They may even become seriously ill or injured or may die because of the actions of the caregiver.
Children who are harmed by a caregiver with MSBP can have lifelong physical and emotional problems. These children may have Munchausen syndrome as adults. This is a condition in which a person causes or falsely reports their own symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure what causes MSBP. But it may be linked to problems during the abuser's childhood.
The attention that caregivers get from having a sick child may encourage their behavior. Caregivers may get attention not only from doctors and nurses but also from others in their community. For example, neighbors may try to help the family in many ways. These include doing chores, bringing meals, or giving money.
MSBP is child abuse. If you suspect a caregiver has this condition, don't confront them. It might make the problem worse. Instead, think about these options:
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