Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a mental illness and a form of child abuse. The caretaker of a child, most often a mother, either makes up fake symptoms or causes real symptoms to make it look like the child is sick. No one is sure what causes Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Sometimes, the person was abused as a child or has Munchausen syndrome fake illness for themselves.
The caretaker can do extreme things to fake symptoms of illness in the child. For example, the caretaker may:. To diagnose Munchausen syndrome by proxy, providers have to see the clues. They have to review the child's medical record to see what has happened with the child over time. Very often, Munchausen syndrome by proxy goes undiagnosed. The child needs to be protected. They may need to be removed from the direct care of the caretaker in question.
Children may require medical care to treat complications from injuries, infections, medicines, surgeries, or tests. They also need psychiatric care to deal with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder that can happen with child abuse. Treatment most often involves individual and family therapy. Because this is a form of child abuse, the syndrome must be reported to the authorities. If you think a child is being abused, contact a provider, the police, or child protective services.
Call or the local emergency number for any child in immediate danger because of abuse or neglect. You can also call this national hotline. Interpreters are available to help in languages. The counselor on the phone can help you figure out the next steps. All calls are anonymous and confidential. Recognition of Munchausen syndrome by proxy in the child-parent relationship can prevent continued abuse and unnecessary, expensive, and possibly dangerous medical testing.
Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Child abuse and neglect. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap 6. Dubowitz H, Lane WG. Abused and neglected children. In: Kliegman RM, St. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. Factitious disorders and malingering. In: Walls RM, ed. Updated by: Neil K. Also reviewed by David C. Editorial team. Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
