One of the most frequently asked questions received by AsherMeadow: "Is MSP always demonstrated by physical abuse..."  

While some earlier experts disagreed about a psychological diagnosis, today is it considered factual, and may be much more serious than ever expected.

Some experts believe that the number of psychological MSP cases are highly under-reported, and that psychological MSP abuse may be a much more serious concern then physical.

What would be classified as psychological MSP? If we examine today's definition of MSP, a perpetrator assumes the sick role indirectly (i.e., by proxy) by feigning or producing illness in another person, we can determine that "... producing illness... " can just as easily include mental illness.

Cases of suspected psychological MSP abuse which have been reported to AsherMeadow include: 

• making the child think he/she is mentally impaired
• having the child committed to a mental hospital
• claiming the child suffers from depression, anxiety, ADHA disorders
• other behavioral problems exhibited only in the presence of the perpetrator

An accurate diagnosis of physical MSP abuse can be difficult and lengthy. An accurate diagnosis of psychological MSP abuse can be almost impossible.

Currently, no psychological cases of MSP have gone to trial, although reporting of this type of abuse is increasing.

Just as social services and district attorneys were beginning to grasp the basics of physical MSP abuse and how to prosecute this type of offender, the number of reported psychological MSP abuse cases began to rise.  

Today there are more questions than answers concerning psychological abuse.  Do mandatory reporting laws that cover typical suspected psychological abuse apply to msp? How can psychological msp abuse be detected? How can this type of abuse be prosecuted?

Most cases of MSP today involve a pattern of abuse that typically includes some sort of physical abuse. In cases where the abuse is psychological there is often also physical symptoms.  These physical clues can be an important first step in identifying a pattern of MSP abuse.

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more notes from the field ...

Surprise: Your on Hidden Camera
Hidden Cameras in Hospitals Can Uncover Child Abuse and Can Also Clear Parents of Wrongdoing. The next time you visit your child, a friend or relative in the hospital you'll wonder if you are being watched. (August 2000)