False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 02 No 09 - 1993 oct

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated October 1, 1993, focuses on the complex and controversial topic of False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and its implications for individuals, families, and the legal system. The newsletter presents a collection of articles, letters, and case reports that explore the nature of memory, the impact of therapy on memory recall, and the challenges of distinguishing between genuine memories and false recollections.

Key Themes and Articles

The Nature of Memory and Therapy

The newsletter opens with a letter from 'Ann's Sister' describing the difficult situation of Ann, who is experiencing distress related to her memories. This personal account sets the stage for a broader discussion on the reliability of memory.

A central theme is the critique of 'repressed memory therapy.' Paul McHugh, MD, Chief of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins, is quoted stating that "To treat for repressed memories without any effort at external validation is malpractice pure and simple." This highlights concerns about therapies that may lead to the creation or reinforcement of false memories.

Fred Frankel, MD, Psychiatrist in Chief at Beth Israel Hospital, echoes these concerns, emphasizing that "Validation without corroboration by the therapist of the patient's memories has serious ethical and possibly legal consequences."

The newsletter discusses how people revise their theories about memory as new information becomes available. It contrasts the outdated 'videotape recorder' model of memory with a more nuanced understanding that acknowledges memories are reconstructed and reinterpreted, and can be a mixture of fact and fantasy.

Legal and Societal Implications

The issue delves into legal aspects, including a Michigan Court of Appeals decision (James W v Superior Court) that reversed a ruling barring a claim due to the statute of limitations, emphasizing that corroboration is a proof problem, not a prerequisite for applying the rule. The decision also highlighted assumptions about the validity of repressed memories.

An article reviewing Alan A. Stone's work on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the law questions the scientific basis of PTSD diagnoses and their pervasive impact on legal proceedings, particularly in cases of alleged child sexual abuse and 'battered woman syndrome.' The newsletter notes how PTSD has transformed subjective experiences into 'objective' evidence.

Survivor and Family Perspectives

Several sections feature the voices of survivors and families. A letter from Pamela expresses love for her children and a wish for them to talk. Another section details the experience of a mother whose daughter falsely accused family members, leading to estrangement and legal battles.

A 'widow' shares the profound grief of her husband's death without the resolution of a false accusation. Another widow recounts how her daughter's false accusations led to her husband's stress and eventual death.

A 'Mom' describes her daughter's journey through therapy, leading to accusations against her father and eventual estrangement from the family. This account illustrates the potential for therapy to create or exacerbate family divisions.

Critiques of Therapy and Advocacy Groups

The newsletter includes critiques of certain therapeutic practices and advocacy groups. It mentions the rejection of the FMS Foundation's application to exhibit at the Midwest Sexual Abuse Conference, questioning the exclusionary practices of the planning committee.

It also addresses concerns about 'totalistic thinking' within some movements, where contradictory information is avoided, and critical judgment is suspended. The newsletter references books on 'thought reform' and 'coercive persuasion' as relevant to understanding these dynamics.

Professional and Media Coverage

The newsletter highlights media coverage of FMS issues, including articles in the Washington Post, Newsweek, and USA Today, as well as mentions of television documentaries. It also notes the formation of a task force by the British Psychological Association to study FMS.

Specific Cases and Anecdotes

Several anecdotes illustrate the problems associated with false accusations and memory recovery. One account describes a man who committed suicide after being diagnosed with PTSD for experiences in Vietnam, only for it to be revealed he had never been there.

Another section discusses the concept of 'body memories' and how physical sensations can be linked to traumatic experiences.

Definitions and Resources

The newsletter provides definitions for terms such as 'Abuse,' 'Post-traumatic stress,' and 'Dysfunctional family' as they relate to the FMS phenomenon. It also lists resources for more information, including newsletters and books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently adopts a critical stance towards the uncritical acceptance of repressed memories and the therapeutic practices that may facilitate their creation. The core editorial stance emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, corroboration, and critical thinking in evaluating claims of recovered memories, particularly in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. The newsletter advocates for a balanced approach that protects both victims of abuse and those falsely accused. It highlights the potential for therapy to be misused, leading to family destruction and legal complications. The publication serves as a platform for voices questioning the prevailing narratives around repressed memories and advocating for a more cautious and evidence-based approach.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated October 1993, focuses on the controversial topic of 'Haunted dreams: real or implanted?', exploring the phenomenon of repressed memories, particularly those related to alleged satanic ritual abuse. The cover story features the case of Lucy Abney, who claims her therapist implanted memories of a satanic cult, and discusses the potential for therapy to create false beliefs.

Lucy Abney Case

Lucy Abney, after two years of therapy for depression, reported vivid and disturbing memories of a satanic cult, including cannibalism, blood drinking, orgies, and the sacrifice of her babies. She claims her therapist, Judith Peterson, warned her about a 'programming code' that could control personalities and identified her husband as a high priest in the cult. Abney's memories, which she described as very real and vivid, began after she left a psychiatric hospital. However, she later developed doubts about their authenticity, attributing them to her psychologist's influence and the potential for false memories.

Judith Peterson and Malpractice Lawsuits

Psychologist Judith Peterson, who has a doctorate in psychology, is central to several cases discussed. She is accused by Lucy Abney of implanting false memories. Peterson is also the subject of separate malpractice lawsuits from former patient Janice Granata and members of another family who recanted their satanic cult abuse memories. Peterson denies creating memories, stating that clients bring the content to therapy and that she is unable to order restraints or admit/discharge patients, as that authority lies with medical doctors. She suggests that repressed memories might be layers of memory implanted by 'organized crime' to sidetrack investigations.

Utah Satanic Abuse Task Force

A report by Dan Harrie in the Salt Lake Tribune details the Utah task force's investigation into satanic ritual abuse conspiracy crimes. The task force spent $250,000 but found no evidence, discounting or setting aside most cases. Utah's Attorney General, Jan Graham, has stated that satanic ritual abuse may be real, phony, or a practice used by child abusers to terrorize victims.

Dr. Corydon Hammond's Position

Dr. Corydon Hammond, a University of Utah psychologist, was interviewed regarding his previous strong stance on satanic ritual abuse. He had suggested that the purpose of satanic cults was to create an 'army of Manchurian candidates' for various illicit activities, aiming to establish a satanic order. However, Harrie reported that Hammond has ceased practicing or lecturing in this area.

The Schwiderski Family Lawsuits

The newsletter details the case of the Schwiderski family, who are suing Judith Peterson for malpractice. Kathryn Morgan Schwiderski claims she was placed in physical restraints and threatened if she did not describe alleged participation in 'cult' activities. Her daughter, Kari Schwiderski, alleges she was treated for 'abuse' by a non-existent 'satanic cult' and that Peterson told her she had repressed memories of killing babies and that her parents had abused her. Another daughter, Kelly Schwiderski, remains convinced of her cult involvement and provided an affidavit admitting to three homicides, though an investigation found no evidence.

Elizabeth Loftus on Memory

Elizabeth Loftus, a psychology professor and expert on memory, contributes an article titled 'What is Dangerous Women Who Remember Too Much'. She argues that skepticism towards claims of recovered memories is often met with accusations of being anti-woman. Loftus explains that new information can be incorporated into old memories, altering recollections, a process she likens to a 'Trojan horse'. She notes that cognitive psychologists are sometimes inaccurately labeled as researchers of normal memory in volunteer subjects.

Hypnosis and Memory Accuracy

The issue of hypnosis in memory recall is raised, with a 1985 AMA panel warning that hypnosis can lead to 'increases in false recollection and confabulation'. Lucy Abney states that hypnosis played a significant role in her therapy.

Broader Context of Satanic Abuse Claims

The newsletter touches upon other high-profile cases, such as the McMartin Preschool child abuse case, where operators were acquitted, and the conviction in the Fran's Day Care case, where children testified about satanic ritual abuse memories. While acknowledging that sexual abuse may be underestimated, experts worry about cases stemming from imagined memories influenced by therapist biases.

Expert Opinions on 'Sex Abuse Hysteria'

Some believe that memories of satanic ritual abuse may be part of a cultural 'sex abuse hysteria' fueled by psychotherapy. Law enforcement agencies, like Robert Hicks of Virginia Criminal Justice Services and Ken Lanning of the FBI, have investigated numerous satanic cult cases with little to no evidence of a massive, mind-controlling cult.

Dr. Bruce Perry on Repressed Memories

Dr. Bruce Perry, a psychiatrist, suggests that the therapist's bias can lead to interpretations of recollections that fit a 'satanic ritualistic mode', and that memories can be fragile and easily influenced. He shares an example of a patient whose 'satanic' memories were actually related to chemotherapy.

FMS Foundation's Role and Procedures

The FMS Foundation is presented as a resource for families and professionals dealing with memory and reality issues. They have changed their office procedures to accommodate an increase in calls from retractors and professionals, now sending introductory letters listing available materials. The foundation emphasizes that their published counts of 'affected families' are conservative and only include reports that can be verified by independent researchers.

Dr. Paul McHugh on Validation

Dr. Paul McHugh, in an excerpt from his paper 'History and the pitfalls of practice', argues that validating repressed memories is crucial. He likens the process to the witch-craze of the 16th and 17th centuries, where a manual (Malleus Maleficarum) provided ways to identify witches. McHugh stresses that therapists must confirm actual abuse before launching into therapy, and that external validation through records and informants is essential. Treating repressed memories without external validation is considered malpractice.

FMS Foundation Meetings and Information

The newsletter includes listings for FMSF meetings across various regions in the US and Canada, scheduled for October and November 1993. It also provides information on how to order articles and forms from the Foundation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical stance towards claims of satanic ritual abuse and repressed memories, emphasizing the potential for false memories to be created or implanted during therapy. The editorial stance appears to be that of supporting families who claim to be falsely accused and advocating for rigorous validation of diagnostic opinions in psychiatric practice. The newsletter highlights the work of psychologists and researchers who question the validity of recovered memories and warns against malpractice in therapeutic settings. There is a clear emphasis on the potential for bias in therapy and the need for external confirmation of alleged traumatic events.