Munchausen by proxy or Polle syndrome: which term is correct?

ABSTRACT

The terms Munchausen syndrome by proxy and Polle syndrome have both been used to describe the situation in which one person persistently fabricates illness on behalf of another (usually a mother on behalf of her child). However, investigation of the family records of the real life Baron von Munchausen in Germany reveal that Polle syndrome is an inappropriate title originally derived from incorrect information.