False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 02 No 11 - 1993 dec

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated December 7, 1993, Volume 2, Number 11, addresses the growing public and media attention on False Memory Syndrome (FMS). The newsletter highlights a perceived shift in media coverage towards increased depth and compassion, citing articles in Time magazine as a landmark in public awareness.

Media Attention and Key Events

The newsletter details four significant events in the past month that contributed to the surge in FMS-related articles:

1. Protests at McGill University: Protests prevented Dr. Harold Lief from delivering a talk on FMS, sparking discussions about free speech.
2. Accusation against Cardinal Bernardin: Steven Cook accused Cardinal Bernardin of sexual abuse based on recovered memories, leading to articles examining memory and repression.
3. Akiki Trial Verdict: The acquittal of Dale Anthony Akiki, who had been imprisoned for over two years, raised questions about the implications for cases involving children's memories.
4. Lawsuit Against Chicago Psychiatrist: A multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by a former client against a Chicago psychiatrist brought to light issues surrounding satanic ritual abuse therapy and the emergence of alter personalities.

The newsletter notes that this increased media attention has generated a significant volume of calls to the FMS Foundation, with many calls coming from devastated families struggling to understand their loved ones' behavior.

Foundation Operations and Challenges

Due to funding limitations, the FMS Foundation has adjusted its procedures for handling the high volume of calls, implementing a message-leaving system and mailing starter packets. The foundation reports an increase in calls from individuals questioning their own memories, spouses of people with memories, and families facing lawsuits.

Criticism and Defense

The newsletter addresses criticisms leveled against the FMS Foundation, including claims that it represents the views of child molesters. It refutes these claims, stating that the foundation's purpose is to help families investigate their cases and that critics have not examined the foundation's files. The newsletter also includes a letter to the NASW National Committee on Inquiry regarding the rejection of a complaint against two social workers, questioning the committee's decision and the social workers' professional conduct.

Professional Perspectives and Debates

Several articles and quotes from professionals are featured:

• Dr. Sandra Prager (Menninger School of Psychiatry): Emphasizes the importance of listening to instincts and recognizing that people may not always tell the whole truth, particularly in the context of repression.
• Lenore Terr, M.D. (Testimony at Akiki trial): States that the FMS Foundation is a political action group and that its executive director has been accused of sexual abuse, though the foundation clarifies its non-profit status and the executive director's lack of personal accusation.
• Morosini-Heilman (Psychotherapist): Expresses suspicion of the FMS Foundation, suggesting it is primarily formed by accused parents.
• Lin Hood-Glidden (Psychotherapist): Describes FMS as a way for society to continue denial and does not believe in false memory syndrome.
• Doug Frizel (APA Media Relations Manager): States that FMS is not a recognized scientific phenomenon.
• Dr. Kenneth A. Nakdimen: Suggests alternative terms like "suggested memory syndrome" or "iatrogenic memory syndrome" to describe the phenomenon, arguing that "false memory syndrome" unfairly labels the carrier.

Legal and Economic Aspects

The newsletter touches upon the economic implications of FMS and related disorders, citing an article from Long Island Newsday that reports an astonishing rise in claims for post-traumatic stress disorder and multiple personality disorder, with significant costs incurred by insurance companies and managed health care groups.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

Personal stories from readers offer poignant insights into the impact of FMS on families. One father writes about his daughter's accusation of incest and the resulting emotional toll. Another mother describes the difficulty of dealing with her daughter's accusations and the potential for lawsuits. A sister shares her experience of being accused by her daughter and the subsequent legal and emotional distress.

Scientific Evidence and Debate

An article titled "'Recovered' Memory's Real Victims" by John Hochman, published in The Los Angeles Times, questions the validity of recovered memories, particularly in cases of alleged sexual abuse. Hochman argues that emotionally charged events are generally unforgettable and that the concept of recovered memory therapy is a pseudoscience that can lead to false accusations. He highlights that many proponents of recovered memory therapy lack formal training in memory and psychology.

The newsletter also includes a Q&A section addressing the scientific validity of repression and the role of clinicians versus researchers in this debate. It features testimony from Lenore Terr, M.D., at the Akiki trial.

Other Noteworthy Items

• Memory and Reality Conference: Announcement of a national FMSF program in Kansas City from June 3-5, 1994.
• Witch Hunts: The newsletter draws parallels between the FMS debate and "witch hunts," where accusations are made and the accused cannot defend themselves.
• Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD): A letter from A.C. Carr, M.D., questions the FMS Foundation's stance on MPD, seeking clarification on whether the foundation believes it is a distinct disorder.
• Incest Support Network Closure: The closure of Marilyn Van Derbur Atler's incest support network is reported due to a lack of funds.
• Ig Nobel Prizes: Mentions the awarding of Ig Nobel prizes, including one for psychology to John Mack and David Jacobs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory claims, emphasizing the potential for iatrogenic memories created through therapy. The publication champions the presumption of innocence and highlights the devastating impact of accusations on families. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the widespread claims of repressed childhood sexual abuse, suggesting that cultural narratives, therapeutic techniques, and societal pressures may contribute to the formation of these memories. The newsletter aims to provide a platform for families affected by FMS, to educate professionals, and to challenge what it perceives as a flawed or overzealous approach to memory recovery.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Volume 11, dated December 1993, is a publication from the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. The newsletter provides updates on the foundation's activities, available resources, and relevant conferences.

Key Articles and Features

Dr. Paul McHugh's Article The newsletter proudly announces that Dr. Paul McHugh's article, "Psychiatric Misadventures," has been selected to appear in "Best American Essays of '93," published by Norton. Dr. McHugh has been a board of advisor for the FMSF since its inception.

Video Tapes Available

• From One Daughter to Another: This tape is described as being formed from the life experience of Janet Puhr. The approach is designed to guide a daughter through a situational path of reality, with the hope of bringing her back to love and good times. It is 50 minutes long and costs $30, including shipping. An additional $3 is required for express delivery. Checks should be made payable to Janet Puhr and sent to P.O. Box 293, Chicago Ridge, IL 60415.
• Adults Belated Accusations of Child Sexual Abuse: This is a seventy-five-minute recording of a presentation by Richard A. Gardner, M.D., given in New York City on September 19, 1993. Dr. Gardner discusses his views on the factors contributing to the sex-abuse hysteria observed in the U.S. since the early 1980s. The recording is considered valuable for therapists, lawyers, and those assisting families. Orders can be placed by calling 800-544-6162, or in New Jersey at 201-567-7295, or by FAX at 201-567-8956. The cost is $15, plus $2 for postage and handling. New Jersey residents must add 6% sales tax ($.90/tape). Alternatively, orders can be sent to Creative Therapetics, Inc., P.O. Box 522, Cresskill, NJ 07626-0317.

Conferences and Events

• Criminal Lawyers' Association Conference: Titled "The Abuse and Misuse of Science: Recovered Memories," this conference took place from November 5-7, 1993, in Toronto. Contact information for Alan D. Gold, Barrister, is provided for further details.

Upcoming Publications

• To Appear Soon:
• "What You Can Change and What You Can't" by M. Seligman, published by Knopf, 1993.
• "Psychotherapy Awry" by P. McHugh, in American Scholar, Winter, 1994.

FMS Foundation Information

Contact and Subscription The FMS Foundation is located at 3401 Market Street, Suite 130, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3315. Their phone number is 215-387-1865. The newsletter is published 10 times a year by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation, and a subscription is included with membership fees. Subscription rates for 1993 are: USA: $20 for 1 year, $10 for students; Canada: $25 for 1 year (in U.S. dollars); Foreign: $35 for 1 year. The price for a single issue is $3.

FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board The newsletter lists the members of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board as of December 1, 1993. This extensive list includes numerous Ph.D.s and M.D.s from various universities and institutions across the United States and Canada, specializing in fields such as clinical and forensic psychology, psychiatry, and medicine. Notable members include Terence W. Campbell, Rosalind Cartwright, Jean Chapman, Loren Chapman, Robyn M. Dawes, David F. Dinges, Fred Frankel, George K. Ganaway, Martin Gardner, Rochel Gelman, Henry Gleitman, Lila Gleitman, Richard Green, David A. Halperin, Ernest Hilgard, John Hochman, David S. Holmes, Philip S. Holzman, John Kihlstrom, Harold Lief, Elizabeth Loftus, Paul McHugh, Harold Merskey, Ulric Neisser, Richard Ofshe, Martin Orne, Loren Pankratz, Campbell Perry, Michael A. Persinger, Harrison Pope Jr., James Randi, Carolyn Saari, Theodore Sarbin, Thomas A. Sebeok, Louise Shoemaker, Margaret Singer, Ralph Slovenko, Donald Spence, Jeffrey Victor, Hollida Wakefield, and Louis Jolyon West.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently focuses on issues related to false memory syndrome, recovered memories, and the psychological and legal implications surrounding these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of providing information and resources to those affected by or interested in false memory syndrome, with a particular emphasis on scientific and professional perspectives, as evidenced by the extensive advisory board list. The newsletter also promotes educational materials like video tapes and conference information, aiming to inform and support its readership.