Munchausen syndrome
by proxy (MSP) -- or Munchausen by proxy -- is a psychological disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a
caregiver through those who are in their care. ... The person with MSP gains attention by seeking medical help for exaggerated or made-up symptoms of a child in his or her care.
The person with MSP does not seem to be motivated by a desire for any type of
material gain. While health care providers are often unable to identify the specific cause of the child's illness, they may not suspect the mother or
caregiver of doing anything to harm the child. In fact
the caregiver often appears to be very loving and caring and extremely distraught over her/his child's illness.
