False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 05 No 01 - 1996 jan

Magazine Overview

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: January 1, 1996
Volume: Vol 5 No. 1
Publisher: FMS Foundation

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into the polarization within the mental health community surrounding false memory syndrome (FMS) and the Foundation's role. It seeks to clarify the Foundation's domain of concern, which is the accuracy of recalled childhood trauma in adults who previously had no idea they might have been abused, rather than memories of abuse that were sustained throughout childhood.

Polarization and Ethical Considerations

The newsletter opens with a letter from Fred Frankel, M.B., CH.B., D.P.M., of Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical School, published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Frankel highlights the debate over the validity of long-delayed memories of abuse and states that the issue is not the incidence of abuse but the accuracy of recall. The FMS Foundation questions whether it is "extreme" to ask professionals to adhere to their own codes of ethics, citing the AMA Code of Ethics which prohibits "nonscientific practitioners" and emphasizes "informed consent."

Frederick Crews, in "Memory Wars," is quoted as suggesting that the "extreme" position is held by professionals who attempt neutrality on the accuracy of recalled childhood trauma. The Foundation asserts that its position—that external corroboration is necessary to determine the truth of such memories—has been its stance since inception.

The newsletter criticizes the reliance on certain studies (Herman & Schatzow, Briere and Conte, Williams) as scientific evidence for repressed memories, arguing they do not demonstrate a special mental mechanism for repression or amnesia. It emphasizes the need for decisions to be based on the best available evidence at the present time.

A "Dateline" poll is cited, indicating that a large majority of adults would remain suspicious of someone accused of child abuse even after an acquittal, suggesting that a therapist's diagnosis of incest based on a "recovered memory" can lead to a "lifetime sentence to the accused."

Focus on Science and Research

The "Focus on Science" section critically examines recent studies published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress concerning psychogenic amnesia for traumatic events. The author argues that these studies, which rely on retrospective questioning about whether subjects "forgot" an event, have significant methodological limitations. These limitations include:

• Lack of Validation: The studies do not validate whether a "yes" answer to forgetting actually indicates amnesia, as individuals might simply prefer not to think about an event or be preoccupied with other activities.
• Uncertain Corroboration: The studies often lack sufficient corroboration for the alleged traumatic events. For instance, one case cited by Williams involved a four-year-old girl allegedly subjected to sexual intercourse, yet no medical findings were present, and the alleged perpetrator denied the abuse.
• Early Childhood Amnesia: The normal process of childhood amnesia can be confused with repression, where individuals reconstruct memories from accounts given by others and later believe they "recovered" them independently.

The section concludes that studies using this retrospective design cannot definitively prove that individuals are capable of repressing traumatic memories, advocating for prospective studies with unequivocally documented trauma.

Legal Cases and Malpractice

The "Legal Corner" and "Highlights of FMS-Related Events in 1995" sections detail numerous legal cases and professional actions related to false memory syndrome. These include:

• Settlements and Verdicts: Several cases resulted in settlements or jury awards for plaintiffs who claimed therapists negligently implanted false memories of sexual abuse, often through hypnosis or suggestive techniques. Examples include a $157,000 settlement in California, a $120,857 verdict against a Denver therapist, and substantial awards in Minnesota and Maine.
• Licensing Board Actions: The newsletter notes instances where therapists faced disciplinary actions, such as probation or potential loss of license, due to complaints about recovered memory therapy.
• Legal Rulings: Various court decisions are reported, including dismissals of repressed memory claims due to the unreliability of such testimony (e.g., in New Hampshire and Baltimore), affirmations of dismissals based on statute of limitations, and the overturning of a murder conviction that relied on repressed memory testimony (George Franklin case).
• Professional Organization Statements: The Michigan Psychological Association issued a statement cautioning about the potential harm of treating claims of recovered memories as valid without scientific evidence.

Professional Conferences and Initiatives

The newsletter announces a joint continuing medical education conference sponsored by the FMS Foundation and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. This conference focuses on "Basic Standards of Care in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Practices with Memory and The Process of Family Reconciliation." It aims to define the scope of problems in memory work, ethical issues, and the process of family reconciliation after false allegations. The conference is intended for mental health professionals and offers continuing medical education credits.

Legislative initiatives in Maryland and Pennsylvania are mentioned, aimed at establishing qualifications for counselors and strengthening enforcement of practice acts.

Book Reviews and Commentary

A review of Colin Ross's book, "Satanic Ritual Abuse: Principles of Treatment," is presented. The reviewer, Jeffrey S. Victor, Ph.D., expresses disappointment, finding the book speculative and lacking in genuine history or sociology. While acknowledging Ross's distinction between structural themes and specific content in SRA stories, and his caution against therapists always believing clients, the reviewer criticizes the book for its flawed logic, circular reasoning, and inappropriate analogies. The review also highlights Ross's finding that 55% of mental health professionals registered for MPD conferences had a history of childhood sexual abuse, suggesting this may explain the attraction to recovered memory therapy.

Another section discusses "Managed Care's Focus on Psychiatric Drugs," noting that managed-care companies often limit psychotherapy coverage in favor of drug treatment.

A "Double Standards" piece from the Mail on Sunday criticizes the medical profession for not adequately warning patients about the risks of psychiatric treatments involving "mind-tinkering therapies" compared to the rigorous testing of new drugs.

Other Notable Content

• Interns Accused: A case where insurance companies paid settlements to women alleging sexual abuse by interns at Interface Psychological Services, with the supervisor facing disciplinary action.
• Elderly Incest Survivors: An article from "the clinical" newsletter highlights the issue of recovered memory therapy for elderly women dealing with past abuse.
• Intelligence and PTSD: A study suggesting that high intelligence may offer some protection against the development of posttraumatic symptoms.
• Crime and Punishment: A poignant account of "Mildred," an 82-year-old woman, whose relationship with her family was destroyed due to unresolved FMS, leading to a "grandparentectomy."
• Myth Dispelled: An examination of Roland Summit's "Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation syndrome," questioning its theoretical basis and empirical support.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the scientific and ethical challenges posed by recovered memory therapy, the potential for iatrogenic harm, and the legal ramifications of unsubstantiated claims of child sexual abuse and satanic ritual abuse. The FMS Foundation consistently advocates for rigorous scientific standards, external corroboration, and adherence to ethical principles in psychotherapy. The editorial stance is critical of therapeutic approaches that lack scientific validation and may lead to false accusations, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals from potentially devastating consequences.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue Date: January 1996
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated January 1996, focuses on controversies surrounding recovered memory claims, legal cases, and the foundation's efforts to counter what it terms 'false memory syndrome'. The publication features news articles, reader letters, and updates on FMSF meetings and activities.

Key Articles and Reports

Recovered Memory Testimony and Legal Rulings

The lead article discusses the increasing skepticism among medical experts regarding repressed-memory testimony, which played a significant role in a recent trial. Assistant District Attorney Martin Murray indicated that the state would evaluate these studies before deciding on further action. The article references a case where a jury acquitted Robert and Connie Roberson of sexual abuse charges, noting the absence of physical evidence.

Genesis, Inc. Controversy

This section details the revocation of certification for two therapists operating Genesis, Inc., a counseling center in Exton, PA. The Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Certification Board found they failed to maintain a client-therapist relationship, providing harmful treatment including 'detachment' from family and 'snuggle dates'. The Commonwealth Secretary instructed an investigation into the complaints.

Fender Bender Triggers Repressed Memory Claim

A 50-year-old woman was awarded $107,000 after a car accident allegedly triggered repressed childhood memories. The case went to arbitration to determine if a mild head injury could cause such flashbacks. Expert opinion was sought to establish a causal link, with attorneys Robert W. Casby and Marianne C. LeBlanc representing the plaintiff. Alan S. Fanger commented on the case, noting the lack of scientific support for recovered repressed memories.

Suit: Wreck Revived Memories of Abuse

A 47-year-old woman is suing her father and a teen-age boy after a car accident reportedly revived memories of childhood sexual abuse. The suit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of support for her family.

Woman Fired for Mental Condition (MPD) Settles Lawsuit

Diane Krug, who suffered from psychological symptoms stemming from childhood trauma, settled a lawsuit against her employer under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her employer claimed her condition prevented her from working with dangerous animals, while Krug's lawyer asserted she was capable of resuming duties.

Robersons Found Not Guilty in Wenatchee

This report from the New York Times and Seattle Times covers the acquittal of Robert and Connie Roberson of 14 counts of sexual abuse. The case was based on the accusations of a 13-year-old foster daughter, with no physical evidence presented.

The Price of Child Abuse

An article from the Seattle Times discusses the situation of children removed from homes in the Wenatchee cases. Many children are in foster care, with questions raised about the necessity of removal and the potential for conflicts of interest in investigations. Despite some doubts, doctors reported evidence of sexual abuse in at least eight children.

Gilmore Texas Case Ends in a Whimper

This report compiles information on a lengthy child-abuse investigation in Texas that involved allegations of kidnapping, murder, cannibalism, and ritual abuse by a Satanic cult. The Attorney General's Office requested the dismissal of indictments due to the case being 'irreparably tainted' by the special prosecutor.

Therapeutic Holding - Gilmore

This section details allegations of abuse against foster parents in the Gilmore case, including beatings and a technique called 'holding' which involved forcing children to run stairs and squeezing them until they screamed. The children's accounts were reportedly influenced by interrogation techniques.

Arrasmith Convicted

Ron Arrasmith was convicted of murder for shooting Ron Bingham 23 times, claiming justification due to alleged child abuse by Bingham. The case received national attention.

Gerald Amirault Denied New Trial

Gerald Amirault, serving time for crimes at the Fells Acre Day School, was denied a new trial. His mother and sister had their convictions overturned due to issues with 'face to face' confrontation with child witnesses.

Psychiatric Programs Spark Huge Lawsuit

Aetna Life Insurance Co. alleges that a group of psychiatric providers in Los Angeles and Orange counties engaged in fraudulent practices, luring patients with false promises and improper perks.

Reader Contributions and Personal Stories

Make a Difference

This column encourages readers to get involved, suggesting actions like subscribing to specific phone services, mailing FMSF video tapes to media outlets, and sharing ideas. It highlights efforts in California, Florida, New Mexico, and Vermont.

Personal Accounts

Several personal stories are featured:

• A Happy Mom writes about her daughter's experience with 'repressed memory' and her eventual reconciliation with her family after a period of estrangement.
• "C" writes a letter to her parents expressing her belief that she was sexually abused as a child and her commitment to understanding her problems.
• Ray and Shirley Souza express gratitude to Chuck Noah for his public support during their legal ordeal, highlighting his activism with picket signs.
• A Happy Mom shares her experience of being caught in the middle of her daughter's accusations and her eventual reconciliation.
• A Mom and Dad recount the eight-year estrangement from their two daughters due to false memories and their eventual reunion.
• "Retractor" writes about her journey of healing from OCD and how it relates to repressed memory claims, emphasizing the role of God and her psychiatrist.
• "J" shares her perspective on 'recovered memory' and the importance of growing up rather than regressing, emphasizing the role of aging and perspective.
• A Happy Mom discusses her daughter's return and reconciliation, noting the absence of mention of the 'terrible accusation' and the hope for resolution.
• A Mom discusses the need for a 'middle ground' for those who cannot fully recant accusations.
• A Happy Mom and Dad express gratitude for the Foundation's support in handling their daughter's recovery from a psychiatric social worker's influence.

Mediation

This section discusses the use of mediation as a process for families to resolve differences, particularly in situations involving 'repressed memory' claims. It encourages families to share their experiences with mediation.

Foundation Information and Meetings

FMSF Meetings

A comprehensive list of FMSF meetings across the United States and internationally is provided, including contact persons and meeting schedules.

Membership and Subscriptions

Information on yearly FMSF membership, including rates for professionals and families, is included. Subscription rates for the newsletter are also detailed.

Contact Information

Contact details for the FMS Foundation, including its address, phone number, and Executive Director Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., are provided. An email address for electronic versions of the newsletter and research lists is also given.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently promotes a critical stance on 'recovered memory' and 'repressed memory' theories, often framing them as potentially false or harmful. The FMS Foundation Newsletter positions itself as a counter-narrative to what it perceives as unscientific books and practices in this field. There is a strong emphasis on legal cases where recovered memory claims have been central, often highlighting acquittals or skepticism from legal and medical professionals. The foundation advocates for critical thinking, evidence-based approaches, and the importance of distinguishing between genuine trauma and potentially fabricated memories. The editorial stance is one of support for families affected by these issues and a commitment to educating the public and challenging what it views as destructive therapeutic practices. The newsletter also features personal stories of reconciliation and healing, often attributing positive outcomes to a rejection of recovered memory narratives and a return to family unity.