Child abuse presents in many different forms, ranging from psychological to sexual to physical. One form of abuse, but one that is rarely talked about, is abuse masquerading as a loving parent helping a sick child. This type of abuse is known as Munchhausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP). MSBP is a type of factious disorder, factious disorder is a type of "mental disorder in which a person acts as if they are suffering from a physical or mental illness when in fact they have consciously created their symptoms" (An Overview of factitious disorders). Characteristics of this type of mental illness include, but are not limited to: dramatic and varied medical history, inconsistent symptoms, extensive knowledge of hospitals and medical care, and seeking many different doctors in varied locations . These symptoms are generally applied to a patient's sense; of their own free will, they manufacture diseases. However, these symptoms have been expanded recently (around 2004) to include caregiver, MSBP. This condition is extremely difficult to diagnose because the line between an overzealous caregiver and an abusive parent is often blurred or nonexistent. Because of this problem, how MSBP is handled once discovered is extremely complicated. Although Munchhausen syndrome by proxy is a form of child abuse, modern psychological research indicates that it should be treated as a factitious clinical disorder through medication and talk therapy, as it has been found that a simple prison sentence does not prevent future episodes of the disease. by proxy was first recognized as a mental illness in the late 1970s by doctor and pediatrician Roy Meadow. (Fish, Bromfield and Higgins). It is generally observed in mothers who are themselves victims of abuse. The type of ...... middle of paper ......in Proxy Syndrome." The Journal of Psychiarty and Law 38 (210): 307-23. Print.Pham, Sherisse. "Mother accused of poisoning Possessing a baby; Rare case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy? » ABC News. ABC News Network, August 7, 2013. Web. December 3, 2013. Stirling, John, Jr, MD, and the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. “Beyond Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Identification and Treatment of Child Abuse in a Medical Setting.” "Beyond Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: Identifying and Treating Child Abuse in a Medical Setting. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2007. Web. December 3, 2013. Zylstra, Robert G., Ed.D, LCSW, Karl E. Miller, MD and Walter E. Stephens, MD “Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy: A Clinical Vignette October 7.”. 2013. .