False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 06 No 03 - 1997 mar

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated March 1997, Volume 6, Number 3, focuses on the evolving landscape of false memory syndrome, recovered memory therapy, and related psychiatric and legal issues. The newsletter reviews developments from February 1997, assessing legal cases, public opinion, and scientific research.

Legal Cases and Professional Responsibility

The newsletter begins by examining legal cases that emerged in February 1997. Unlike previous years where "survivors" sued their parents, a notable case involved a former patient suing a doctor in Wisconsin for billing group rates after diagnosing her with 120 personalities. This case, along with ongoing scandals involving private psychiatric hospitals and malpractice judgments against recovered memory therapists, is seen as damaging the image of the psychiatric profession. The editorial questions whether mental health professionals will acknowledge these excesses or continue to look the other way. It poses the question of whether professional organizations have a responsibility to police their members and protect the public, or if this role will be left solely to courts and regulatory agencies.

Public Opinion and Media Portrayal

The high price of professional neglect is evident in shifting public opinion, which is moving from "unconditional positive regard" for therapy to open criticism. An example cited is a bookstore in the Boston area opening a new section called "Anti Psychiatry/Therapy." The newsletter references an article in Harper's Magazine discussing the DSM-IV and its role in pathologizing normal experiences, quoting L.J. Davis's "The Encyclopedia of Insanity" which critiques the discovery of new epidemics like chronic depression and suppressed memory without empirical proof. The Economist is also cited for noting the reputation of psychoanalysts for making up untestable propositions and the negative impact of "recovered-memory therapy."

Financial and Institutional Changes

The newsletter highlights significant institutional changes, such as the sale of the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, the oldest psychiatric institute in the nation, founded by Benjamin Rush. This event is presented as a concrete example of external pressure forcing psychiatry to change its funding and organization.

Scientific Research and Challenges to Diagnoses

Scientific research is identified as a key driver of change in psychiatric thinking. Several new results from February are mentioned. Elizabeth Loftus reported on a study at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Seattle that sheds light on how imagining can influence memory. The newsletter also references two articles in the American Journal of Psychiatry (February 1997) that question the therapeutic assumptions of memory, trauma, and PTSD. A study by Southwick et al. examined subjects from Operation Desert Storm, finding inconsistent reports of traumatic war experiences even two years later, suggesting that trauma memories are not always permanent or stable.

Professional Opinion and the Future of Psychoanalysis

Alan A. Stone, former president of the American Psychiatric Association, is quoted from Harvard Magazine, expressing doubt about the fundamental tenets of psychoanalysis and developmental states as explanations for mental illness. He suggests that developmental experience may have little to do with psychopathology and that historical reconstruction may not be therapeutic.

Dissociative Identity Disorder and False Memory

The diagnosis of multiple personality disorder (now dissociative identity disorder) is under scrutiny, with new books by N. Spanos and A. Piper challenging its validity. The American Journal of Psychiatry also indicates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is facing challenges. The newsletter poses the question of how FMS families are to navigate this landscape of greed, misguided therapeutic notions, sensationalized media, and public panic.

FMSF's Work and Future Events

The FMS Foundation states its commitment to fostering respectful dialogue and announces new survey data to be presented at Baltimore conferences, focusing on new accusations and family reconciliation. The April newsletter will be delayed to accommodate reporting on these conferences.

Special Thanks

The newsletter expresses gratitude to various individuals and groups for their support in preparing the newsletter, including editorial support, research, notices, production, columnists, and readers.

Family Survey Update

Kim, a staff member, describes the overwhelming response to a one-page Family Survey Update mailed to approximately 3,500 families. The 1,500 completed surveys, arriving in large tubs, revealed the vast scope of the problem and provided valuable comments.

Wonderful News

Positive developments are reported from a California Central Coast group meeting, including one retraction after eight years of no communication and two other "returners." Another family reported their "former daughter" back, and a son wrote a letter to his parents after a complete change.

Massachusetts Disclosure of Doctor Information

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine is the first to release information on malpractice payouts, disciplinary actions, and criminal records of doctors. Other states are considering similar laws. Concerns are raised that this may cause doctors to avoid high-risk specialties.

Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Update

Hearings on proposed administrative rule amendments for the Washington State Crime Victims Compensation Program led to changes. Notably, the department will not allow or pay for therapies that focus on the recovery of repressed memory or memory of physically impossible or unverified acts occurring prior to age two.

Comment on One Family Survey Update

A mother and father share their positive experience of confronting their daughter's therapist with materials on repressed memories, leading to their daughter's improved well-being and reconciliation. They express gratitude to the FMS Foundation and hope "repressed memories" will be seen as a farce.

Recovered Memory Therapist Changes Focus

Wendy Maltz, a social worker, is quoted as shifting her focus from the problems of sex to exploring monogamous, caring relationships, suggesting a move beyond the trauma of incest.

Lawsuits Against Missouri Publisher Dismissed 'With Prejudice'

Reverend Herman Otten, publisher of The Christian News, had lawsuits against him dismissed. Otten had published information about Dr. Joseph Barbour, a counselor accused of promoting theories that led to claims of child sexual abuse, satanic ritual abuse, and even fetus sacrifice. Dr. Barbour has since left Concordia Seminary and resigned from the clergy roster.

United Methodist Ritual Abuse Task Force

The United Methodist Church has formed a task force to minister to survivors of ritual abuse and develop training resources. This initiative responds to pleas from survivors and families and aims to make churches safe places.

Believe the Children

This organization is noted for promoting the existence of organized satanic ritual abuse conspiracies and has joined forces with other groups. A conference attendee noted the introduction of racist conspiracy theories, linking the "Illuminati" theory to the American militia movement and the Nazis.

Michigan Introduces Bill on Ritual Abuse

A bill in Michigan aims to make ritual abuse a special crime, defining it as intentional acts of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse connected with symbols or ceremonies.

Make a Difference

This section highlights actions taken to counteract the harm done by FMS. It includes a quote from Edmund Burke about the need for good people to associate. It mentions a book recommendation, "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" by Carl Sagan, and notes that skepticism is essential when dealing with claims of abuse and memory recovery. It also provides practical advice for subscribing to the FMSF Newsletter and distributing FMSF brochures.

Focus on Science: Does Smoking Cause Arthritis?

This article, the first in a four-part series, critically examines hypothetical studies linking childhood sexual abuse to adult psychiatric disorders, specifically eating disorders. It argues that such studies often suffer from selection bias, where the chosen subjects are not representative of the general population. The author uses the analogy of testing the link between smoking and arthritis to illustrate how flawed methodology can lead to incorrect conclusions. The article emphasizes the need for rigorous methodology to establish causality.

New Publications

This section lists new publications available from the FMSF Legal Project, including amicus curiae briefs for Illinois and New Hampshire Supreme Courts, transcripts of expert testimony, and a court decision.

A New Day Dawning?

August Piper Jr., M.D., discusses the growing trend of "dissociation" in psychiatry, noting its increased prevalence in journals. He defines dissociation according to the DSM-IV and critiques its ambiguity and dependence on interpretation. Piper argues that the concept of dissociation leads to intractable contradictions regarding responsibility for one's actions, citing legal cases where individuals claimed lack of responsibility due to dissociative identity disorder.

Victim Compensation And "Recovered Memory Syndrome"

Dr. Susan Kiss Sarinoff analyzes crime victim compensation benefits, noting that they often provide minimal help. She discusses how programs were initially targeted to specific victim groups and how rules have evolved, sometimes expanding coverage but also potentially contributing to the false memory controversy by failing to adequately screen counselors and requiring effective treatment methods.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently questions the validity and scientific basis of "recovered memory" and dissociative identity disorder diagnoses. It highlights legal cases and public opinion shifts that challenge the psychiatric profession's practices. The FMS Foundation advocates for rigorous scientific methodology, accountability within the profession, and a critical approach to therapeutic claims that lack empirical support. The overall stance is one of skepticism towards the unbridled embrace of concepts like dissociation and recovered memory, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and evidence-based practice.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, Vol. 6 No. 3, dated March 1997, addresses the controversial topic of recovered memory therapy and its potential links to suicide and malpractice. The cover story, an informal note by Harold Merskey, D.M., highlights concerns about recovered memory treatment encouraging suicide attempts and causing patient deterioration. The newsletter also features a legal corner detailing a malpractice suit against a psychiatrist for allegedly implanting false memories and diagnosing multiple personalities, as well as updates on legal cases and rulings related to repressed memory claims.

Suicide and MPD: An Informal Note by Harold Merskey, D.M.

Dr. Merskey expresses concern that recovered memory treatment is a significant factor in encouraging patients to attempt suicide. He cites several sources indicating that deterioration is common during such therapy, with patients experiencing extreme emotions, self-mutilation, and feelings of going crazy. A study of 12 individuals who entered treatment for ordinary reasons but later retracted their recovered memories revealed that seven had attempted suicide, and of those who attempted suicide after an MPD diagnosis, two had never seriously considered suicide before. Merskey notes that patients making multiple suicide attempts are a high-risk group, and the literature suggests that MPD practitioners' methods do not result in significant benefits. He concludes that recovered memory therapy is more dangerous than the natural history of the original psychiatric illness and has been a disaster for many patients and accused individuals, while also damaging the profession of psychiatry.

Malpractice Suit Claims Psychiatrist Convinced Patient She had Many Personalities

This section details a malpractice suit filed by Nadean Cool against her psychiatrist, Kenneth C. Olson. Cool claims Olson convinced her she had 120 personalities and billed her insurance company for group therapy. The suit alleges that Olson negligently diagnosed her with Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and planted frightening, false memories through hypnosis, including supposed childhood sexual assault and rape, and satanic cult involvement. Olson allegedly used fear to convince Cool that her family and a cult wanted to kill her. The article describes a particularly disturbing incident on February 25, 1989, where Olson allegedly performed an 'exorcism' on Cool in a mental health unit.

Cool testified that her therapy sessions became longer, and she was hospitalized more frequently. She stated she discontinued treatment due to feeling like dying from constant flashbacks, but Olson threatened hospitalization. The defense attorney, David D. Patton, argued that Olson correctly diagnosed MPD, which is often found in individuals with a history of sexual and physical abuse, and that Cool suggested she was possessed by the devil. Patton also highlighted supposed differences in Cool's handwriting and spelling as evidence of multiple personalities.

Court Prohibits Use of Syndrome as Evidence in Sex Abuse Cases

This legal update reports on a Florida Supreme Court ruling that prosecutors cannot use the Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS) as evidence against alleged molesters. The court found that CSAAS, which lists five attributes of sexually abused children, has not been scientifically proven to be generally accepted by the majority of psychology experts.

Updates on Previously Reported Cases

This section provides brief updates on two cases:

• Two Genesis Associates Prevented from Counseling: Two Pennsylvania state agencies reached an agreement with psychologist Patricia Mansmann and social worker Patricia Neuhausel, involving a temporary suspension and monitoring, following charges of misconduct and harmful therapy methods.
• Maryland's High Court's Ruling Which Rejected Repressed Memory Claims Stands: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal in a repressed memory case, upholding the Maryland Court of Appeals' decision that repressed memories are not a valid basis for postponing filing deadlines, as science cannot distinguish between forgotten and repressed memories.

Book Review: Multiple Identities and False Memories: A Socio-cognitive Perspective by N. P. Spanos

Reviewed by Harold Merskey, D.M., this section discusses N.P. Spanos' book, which argues that Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is a social construct influenced by environmental and cultural factors, rather than a naturally occurring disorder. Spanos draws parallels between MPD, demonic possession, witchcraft, and hysteria. The review highlights Spanos' conclusion that hypnotic amnesia does not occur spontaneously and that hypnotic procedures are not reliable for recovering memories of past events. The book critiques the concept of repression and suggests that many MPD cases are produced by direct instructions. Merskey notes that patients often deteriorate sharply with these treatments, and the MPD movement is seen as a 'partial pyramid scheme based on make-believe.'

From Our Readers

This section contains several letters:

• It is Too Late: A mother writes about her daughter who, after accusing her father of rape, became estranged from the family. The daughter's accusations led to a civil suit and ultimately her suicide, leaving the mother with regret that it is too late for an apology.
• Are There Others?: A parent seeks to connect with others whose daughters transferred to universities like Simon Fraser University and became convinced they were sexually abused, leading to family alienation. The letter suggests that Women's Studies Programs and psychology departments at these universities may be contributing factors.
• A Grieving Dad: This letter is a response to the previous one, acknowledging the pain of family alienation due to accusations stemming from university experiences, and suggesting ways to cope and connect with others.
• Dear Dad and Mom: A letter from a daughter to her parents, retracting her accusation of sexual abuse by her father, stating her therapist misinterpreted her depression and implanted false memories. She apologizes for the pain caused.

Other Sections

• Bringing Sanity: A letter from an Assistant Public Defender in Rhode Island commends the FMS Foundation for bringing sanity to the evaluation of 'recovered memory' evidence and for establishing professional standards for testimony regarding sexual abuse.
• Move Ahead: A letter from 'A Dad' discusses overcoming cultural inhibitions against expressing feelings and finding resilience after family members become accusers, suggesting ways to connect with others and advocate for change.
• Thanks: A mother expresses gratitude for the FMS Newsletter, finding it a valuable summary of her own beliefs.
• FMSF Membership Information: Details on subscription rates and membership levels for the FMS Foundation.
• State Meetings List: A comprehensive list of FMS Foundation meetings across the US and internationally, with contact information.
• Save the Dates: Announcements for upcoming FMS Foundation events: 'What's New in the "Memory Wars": Implications for Clinical Practice' and 'Memory and Reality: Next Steps'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the dangers and questionable efficacy of recovered memory therapy, the alleged link between such therapies and suicide, and the legal and ethical implications of malpractice in psychiatric treatment. The FMS Foundation's stance is clearly critical of recovered memory therapy and MPD diagnoses when based on questionable methods, advocating for more rigorous scientific evaluation and professional standards. The newsletter aims to provide information and support to those affected by these issues, highlighting legal challenges and personal testimonies that question the validity of recovered memories and the practices of some therapists.