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:

• Falsely claim the person under their care has had serious symptoms, such as seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, or apnea.
• Contaminate test results to make the person under their care appear ill.
• Physically harm the person under their care to produce symptoms.
• Cause the person under their care to have medical tests or unnecessary treatments that are often painful and may be harmful.

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.