False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 03 No 10 - 1994 nov

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated November 1, 1994, focuses on the ongoing debate and developments surrounding the False Memory Syndrome (FMS) and recovered memory therapy. The newsletter highlights efforts to educate the public and professionals, addresses legal and scientific aspects of memory, and presents various perspectives from researchers, clinicians, and individuals affected by FMS.

Key Articles and Content

"The Revenge of the Repressed," Part II by Frederick Crews

This section, a continuation from a previous issue, discusses the developments in the FMS issue, including scholarly articles, legal decisions, professional guidelines, and media coverage. It notes the joint efforts of families and professionals in raising public awareness and addresses criticisms leveled against the FMS Foundation, such as accusations of protecting perpetrators or denying sexual abuse. The article emphasizes that the issues of memory and therapy processes must be addressed on their own merits.

Inside: Australian Psychological Society Guidelines

The newsletter features the "Guidelines Relating to Recovered Memories" from the Australian Psychological Society, adopted on October 27, 1994. These guidelines, based on a Code of Professional Conduct, address scientific and clinical issues. Scientifically, memory is described as a constructive and reconstructive process, susceptible to alteration and fabrication. Empirical research on repressed memories is noted as lacking, and the evidence does not allow for distinguishing accurate, inaccurate, or fabricated memories without independent corroboration. Clinically, psychologists are advised to critically evaluate their biases, be aware of how they might shape client memories through suggestion, and to seek independent corroboration for abuse allegations.

"AN INTERESTING DECISION: State must establish validity of memory repression"

This article discusses a New Hampshire Superior Court decision from September 13, 1994, which requires the state to establish the scientific validity of memory repression and recovery through therapy before such testimony can be admitted. The decision emphasizes the need for reasoning and methodology to be scientifically valid and empirically testable, referencing the Daubert v. Merrill-Dow pharmaceutical, Inc. case. The article contrasts scientific reasoning with the reliance on explanatory power for belief, drawing parallels between Freudian theory and astrology.

"Proof Lacking for Ritual Abuse by Satanists" by Daniel Goleman

This piece reports on a survey of over 11,000 psychiatric and police workers which found more than 12,000 accusations of group cult sexual abuse based on satanic ritual, but not a single case with clear corroborating evidence. It highlights that many psychotherapists have become more cautious about claims of organized satanic rings, attributing this to a "contagion" from media and popular culture.

Polygraph Study: "False Memory Syndrome vs Total Repression"

This section summarizes a study by Stan Abrams, Ph.D., comparing polygraph results of alleged sexual abusers where repression was involved versus those where it was not. The study found a significantly lower percentage of deception in cases where the accuser repressed the memory, suggesting this area warrants further research.

News from Dublin, Ireland

A scandal is reported in Ireland involving a doctor accused of falsely accusing fathers of sexually abusing their children. The controversy includes the number of reported incest cases versus the number of convictions, and the funding received by a center that treated hundreds of incest offenders.

News from Australia

The Australian False Memory Association has been formally organized. Australian psychiatrists are noted as being aware of the iatrogenic nature of recovered memories and are critical of American therapy fads. Dr. Jerome Gelb's writings and publications on the topic are mentioned.

"A Retractor's Question: DOES IT HAVE TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER?" by "Maria Meyers"

This personal account from a "retractor" describes the experience of being told to get worse before getting better during repressed memory therapy. The author details the severe emotional distress, depression, and bankruptcy experienced, and mentions that four retractors knew of seven people who committed suicide as a result of this therapy. The author questions the effectiveness and safety of repressed memory therapy.

"QUESTIONS FOR A FELLOW VICTIM WHO DIDN'T WIN"

A poem reflecting on the loss and pain associated with FMS, questioning why a friend died and the impact of memories.

"BIRDS OF A FEATHER DO NOT ALWAYS FLOCK TOGETHER"

This section includes a response from a Social Worker to a previous "Rare Bird" letter, disagreeing with the characterization of "Recovered Memory Therapy (RMT)" and rejecting the notion that FMSF assigns blame. The author emphasizes the need for analysis of research and techniques, and suggests focusing on continuing education for social workers and monitoring its quality.

"Won't Talk about Accusation" (A Mom)

A mother shares her experience with her daughter who has resumed communication but refuses to discuss accusations, continuing therapy with the same therapist for years. The mother expresses frustration but gratitude for reconnecting with her daughter.

Dear "A Mother" (Another Mother)

This letter expresses solidarity with a previous letter from "A Mother," sharing similar feelings of devastation and grief over accusations from her daughter. The writer describes her own journey of seeking therapy and connecting with FMSF, leading to a change of heart and a more objective view of her daughter's behavior.

"Finding Each Other" (A Mom)

This piece discusses the importance of support networks for families affected by FMS, comparing the FMS Foundation to the "Red Cross" for those seeking connection. It highlights the difficulty of finding closure and the desire for reconciliation, while acknowledging the pain caused by the daughter's choices.

"PSYCHOTHERAPIES: VALIDATED AND UN"

August Piper, M.D., discusses the challenges of validating psychotherapies, noting the lack of agreement on treatment goals, measurement of improvement, and diagnostic classification (nosology). He points out that while many psychotherapies are unvalidated, this does not necessarily mean they are bad, but rather that their validity for specific conditions needs to be established. He contrasts this with recovered memory practitioners, whose treatments are increasingly criticized for the harm they can cause.

"ATTENTION ALL:"

A notice regarding the FMSF newsletter being sent by bulk rate mail and the importance of notifying the foundation of any change of address to ensure receipt.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory therapy and its practices. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the validity and safety of therapies that claim to uncover repressed traumatic memories, particularly those related to alleged sexual abuse and satanic ritual abuse. The newsletter emphasizes the need for scientific evidence, professional accountability, and careful consideration of the potential for iatrogenic harm. It positions itself as a source of information and support for families affected by FMS, encouraging critical thinking and advocating for more rigorous standards in the mental health field. The publication also highlights legal challenges and professional guidelines aimed at addressing the complexities of memory and abuse allegations.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated November-December 1994, focuses on the complexities and potential pitfalls of memory, psychotherapy, and legal proceedings related to memory recovery.

Book Review: Beware the Talking Cure: Psychotherapy May be Hazardous to Your Health

The lead article is a review by Jaye Sharp of Dr. Terence W. Campbell's book, "Beware the Talking Cure: Psychotherapy May be Hazardous to Your Health." Campbell, a clinical and forensic psychologist, argues that traditional psychotherapy is facing a crisis and requires a radical "paradigm shift." He criticizes Analytic therapy, Client-centered humanistic therapy, and Behavioral therapy for failing to meet clients' true needs, making them subservient to therapy ideology. Campbell advocates for a shift towards a client-family preoccupation, involving significant others in the therapeutic solution and reducing the therapist's central role. He warns that without this shift, psychotherapists risk becoming "charlatans and faith-healers." The book also offers guidance for laypersons seeking therapy, including advice on hiring and firing a therapist and a list of questions to assess one's therapeutic experience. Campbell suggests that clients should take a more active role and greater responsibility in ensuring a successful therapeutic outcome. He believes the impetus for a paradigm shift will come from an informed public demanding better mental health services.

New Kind of Memory Found to Preserve Moments of Emotion

This section, a reprint from The New York Times by Daniel Goleman, discusses a scientific discovery about emotional memory. Scientists have identified a method by which emotional moments are powerfully imprinted in memory, linked to the "fight or flight" reaction triggered by adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones not only prepare the body for emergencies but also prime the brain to note the circumstances of such events. Researchers at the University of California at Irvine, led by Dr. Larry Cahill and Dr. James L. McGaugh, found that this emotional memory system has evolved for survival. Experiments involving a drug that blocks adrenaline and noradrenaline showed impaired recall of upsetting details, confirming their role in emotional memory. The amygdala is identified as a key brain region where these hormones affect memory. The findings suggest that even mild emotional arousal can enhance memory, and that compounds enhancing adrenaline and noradrenaline might improve memory. This research has implications for preventing traumatic memories in individuals like rescue workers, potentially through the use of drugs like propanolol.

Legal Corner: FMSF Staff

This section addresses the legal challenges surrounding "recovered repressed memories" in civil suits. Preliminary results of the 1994 FMSF Legal Survey indicate that many such suits rely heavily on the complainant's testimony, often lacking objective corroborating evidence. The courts face the difficulty of determining the intrinsic reliability of these memories. The article outlines several concerns: the scientific community's challenge to the concept of repressed and pristine memory retrieval, the known effects of hypnosis (used in some memory recovery techniques) on suggestibility, confabulation, source amnesia, and loss of critical judgment. It also notes that a patient's beliefs can be influenced by a therapist's assumptions, and there is no definitive "litmus test" for memory validity. Objective corroboration is usually required.

Hypnosis

The article details the legal implications of hypnosis in memory recovery. It explains that hypnosis is used as a "memory enhancement technique," but courts have concerns about its reliability. The text outlines potential problems with hypnosis, including heightened suggestibility, confabulation (filling memory gaps with incorrect information), the creation of "pseudomemories" (vivid false memories), "memory hardening" (uncritical conviction in memory accuracy), and source amnesia (confusing recalled memories with prior knowledge). The legal system has developed three approaches to the admissibility of hypnotically-enhanced testimony: a per se exclusion rule, admitting testimony but affecting its weight and credibility, and admitting testimony if procedural safeguards are met (case-by-case basis). The article emphasizes that testimony based on memory created solely under hypnosis, without independent corroboration, has been rejected. It also notes that the use of hypnosis as a "lie detector test" has been rejected.

Approaches to Admissibility

The article elaborates on the three legal approaches to hypnotically-enhanced testimony. The first approach excludes all such testimony. The second approach admits it but leaves its weight and credibility to the jury, viewing hypnotically-enhanced recall as similar to ordinary recall. The third approach admits testimony if certain procedural safeguards are met, considering factors like the hypnotist's qualifications, neutrality, and the recording of sessions. Courts also consider the witness's confidence level and the potential impairment of cross-examination. The article lists several safeguards courts may consider, such as the hypnotist's credentials, neutrality, detailed record-keeping of pre-hypnosis descriptions, session recording, evaluation of motivation, and the existence of corroborating evidence.

"Memory Recovery" vs. Forensic Hypnosis

Judge J. Wright's dissent is quoted, distinguishing between forensic and clinical psychotherapists. Forensic psychotherapists aim for admissible trial testimony, avoiding suggestions. Clinicians, however, prioritize patient rehabilitation, potentially encouraging recall of memories, whether fact or fantasy, through techniques like asking leading questions and encouraging imagination. Wright argues that memory recovery practices are fraught with unreliability and should be met with skepticism and critical examination when used in the judicial system.

FMSF Fundraising Drive

The newsletter announces a fund-raising drive for the FMS Foundation, led by Charles Caviness. The foundation acknowledges the ongoing need to address issues related to children rewriting histories and cutting off contact. They are seeking financial support to continue their work.

Memory and Reality: Reconciliation Conference Tapes

Information is provided about ordering videotaped and audiotaped conference materials from "Memory and Reality: Reconciliation," a joint event by FMS Foundation and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, held December 9-11, 1994. Details on ordering tapes will be in the January 1995 FMSF Newsletter.

FMSF Meetings

A comprehensive list of FMSF meetings across the United States and Canada is provided, including dates, times, locations, and contact persons for various regional and local groups. These meetings focus on topics such as "Current Topics in the Law and Mental Health," "Making Monsters," and "Remembering, Repeating and Working Through Childhood Trauma."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently highlights the critical examination of memory, particularly in the context of psychotherapy and legal proceedings. The FMS Foundation appears to advocate for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to understanding memory, expressing skepticism towards techniques like hypnosis when used for memory recovery, especially in legal contexts. The review of Campbell's book suggests a critique of the current therapeutic establishment, while the scientific article on emotional memory offers a new perspective on memory formation. The legal corner and conference information underscore the foundation's focus on the intersection of memory, psychology, and law, particularly concerning "false memory syndrome."