False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 07 No 05 - 1998 june

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated June 1998, Volume 7, Number 5, provides an update on the Foundation's activities and addresses key developments in the recovered memory and Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) debates. The newsletter features articles, legal case reviews, and commentary on media portrayals and scientific understanding of these complex issues.

Editorial and Foundation Activities

The newsletter opens with a letter to "Dear Friends" from the FMSF, detailing a meeting of the Foundation's Professional and Scientific Advisory Board in Philadelphia on May 16-17, 1998. The board produced a statement on the current scientific understanding of "recovered memories" and the Foundation's ongoing need. The directors honored Martin T. Orne, M.D., Ph.D., and Harold I. Lief, M.D., for their instrumental roles in founding the FMSF and establishing the Scientific Advisory Board's credibility. The board, while composed of members with diverse views, is united on the importance of applying sound science.

The FMSF acknowledges that the landscape has changed since their last Scientific Advisory Board meeting in 1993. Previously, few articles or books questioned the historical accuracy of "recovered repressed memories," and legal cases were often decided against parents based solely on claims of memory accuracy. The current period is seen as a transition in public understanding, with appellate courts noting insufficient scientific evidence for repression theory, yet some state courts, like the Arizona Supreme Court, allowing suits based on this theory to extend statutes of limitations.

Media Critiques and Concerns

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to critiquing media coverage of MPD and recovered memories. The article "The Politics of Hysteria" by Joan Acocella in The New Yorker is highlighted for its sharp critique of the recovered memory movement's damage to feminism and its negative impact on insight therapy. However, the newsletter notes that television programs often present a different perspective. Examples include "The Leeza Show," which featured RaLynne, a woman with 300 personalities, and "Prime Time Live" with Diane Sawyer, which presented segments on MPD, including interviews with Chris Sizemore and a patient named "Lucy." The FMSF expresses concern that such unbalanced and romanticized portrayals perpetuate the problem and underscore the need for their continued work.

Legal Developments

The newsletter extensively covers legal cases and rulings related to repressed memory claims:

• Federal Judge Dismisses Sex Abuse Cases (Rhode Island): Three suits alleging sexual abuse by priests were dismissed as time-barred, as they were filed more than 8 years after the alleged abuse and more than 5 years after plaintiffs reached the age of majority. The court found that the plaintiffs' reasons for delay did not meet the statutory definitions of "unsound mind" or "fraudulent concealment."
• Florida Appellate Court Affirms Dismissal of "Traumatic Amnesia" Claim: The court affirmed the dismissal of a suit alleging "traumatic amnesia" caused by childhood sexual abuse, certifying a question to the Florida Supreme Court regarding whether such claims toll the statute of limitations under the delayed discovery doctrine.
• Arizona Supreme Court Holds Discovery Rule Applies to Repressed Memory Claim: In a departure from many other jurisdictions, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the discovery rule applies to repressed memory claims, reversing a lower court decision and remanding the case for a jury to decide when the plaintiff discovered her claim and whether she was of unsound mind.
• DO THE MAJORITY OF STATES IN THIS COUNTRY APPLY THE DISCOVERY RULE TO SEXUAL ABUSE CASES?: This section critically examines the Arizona Supreme Court's ruling, arguing that its list of states applying the discovery rule is misleading. It highlights recent decisions from several state supreme courts that have refused to apply the discovery rule to repressed memory claims, emphasizing the need for legislative authority and the unreliability of repressed memory evidence.
• Missouri Hypnotherapist Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud: Geraldine Lamb pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and practicing psychology without a license, having submitted falsified bills and convinced patients they were victims of ritual or satanic abuse.
• Malpractice Suit Against Nationally Known Author Renee Fredrickson Is Settled: Renee Fredrickson, a psychologist and author, settled a malpractice suit for $175,000, accused of implanting false memories of childhood sexual abuse using hypnosis and other methods.
• George Franklin Case Moves Forward: George Franklin won a preliminary battle in his effort to overturn a murder conviction based on his daughter's "repressed memory," with a federal judge refusing to dismiss a wrongful prosecution case against district attorney and deputies.
• Houston Jury Found No Wrongdoing by Psychotherapist: A Houston jury found psychotherapist Dorothy Lurie not responsible for a patient's mental anguish after she allegedly implanted false memories of murdering babies and cannibalism.

Book Reviews

Two books are reviewed:

• "Smiling through Tears" by Pamela Freyd and Eleanor Goldstein Upton Books: Described as a book for family and friends, it uses over 125 cartoons to explain the complex web of psychological and social elements that nurtured the recovered memory movement.
• "Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of 'Repressed Memory' and Childhood Trauma" by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D.: This book is recommended as an indispensable guide for professionals and anyone needing to understand research on recovered memories, praised for its clear thinking and exposition.
• "Memory Mayhem in Australia: We save our forests - Let's save our family trees" by June and Ken Godwin: This book chronicles media and legal repressed memory events in Australia from 1992-1997, incorporating family stories and quotes to illustrate the impact of Freudian-type psychotherapy.

Other Sections

• "Mistaken Claims": This section addresses specific claims made against the FMS Foundation, refuting allegations that it encourages parents to sue their children or picket therapists.
• "Special Thanks": Acknowledges individuals who helped prepare the newsletter.
• "Have You Made Your Pledge?": A fundraising appeal for the Foundation.
• "Muddled Thinking Continues": Commentary on a lecture by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., criticizing the lack of discussion on research limitations and the potential for misconceptions.
• "Press Conference to Kick Off Request for Wenatchee Review": Announces a press conference to publicize support for a congressional review of the Wenatchee situation.
• "False Accusations Harm Community": An opinion piece by Leah M. Franklin on the broader harm caused by false accusations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of recovered memory and MPD claims, the influence of media on public perception, the scientific validity of psychiatric diagnoses and therapeutic techniques, and the legal ramifications of these issues. The FMSF's stance is consistently one of advocating for scientific rigor, critical thinking, and a cautious approach to claims based on repressed memories, while also supporting genuine victims of abuse. The newsletter aims to educate the public and professionals about the potential for iatrogenic harm (harm caused by medical treatment or advice) and the importance of distinguishing between genuine memories of abuse and potentially false memories created in therapy.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 7 No. 5
Date: June 1998
Publisher: FMS Foundation

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter delves into various aspects of false memory syndrome, featuring updates on legal cases, critical analyses of therapeutic practices, and personal narratives.

Updates of Cases We Are Following

The newsletter provides brief updates on several significant legal cases:

• Souzas Await Decision: Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Dolan is considering whether Raymond and Shirley Souza should receive a new trial, and is also ruling on a motion to revise their 9- to 15-year prison sentence.
• Amiraults Await Decision: Cheryl Amirault LeFave is awaiting a Superior Court ruling regarding arguments that children at her family's day care center were questioned improperly.
• Wenatchee Case Explores Investigation Leading to False Arrest: The civil rights case against Wenatchee officials, concerning false arrest and misconduct during a child abuse investigation, is in its seventh week. The scope of the case has been broadened by Superior Court Judge Michael Donahue. Testimony has included that of Sarah Doggett, who described her family's experiences and alleged abuse, and questioned police detective Robert Perez's potential conflict of interest as a foster parent to some of the girls involved. The case highlights the reversal of convictions for child rape due to flawed evidence gathering methods.

Critical Analysis of Therapies

Dr. August Piper Jr., M.D., a member of the FMSF Scientific Advisory Board, expresses significant pessimism regarding the state of psychotherapy, particularly concerning the "recovered-memory" phenomenon.

Pessimism Regarding Psychotherapy Practices

Dr. Piper outlines four reasons for his pessimism:

1. Misapplication of Treatment: He recounts admitting a young woman (Ms. A) to the hospital for panic disorder. Her psychotherapist's chart note indicated a need to "work through her sexual abuse issues," which Dr. Piper found distressing as Ms. A had not mentioned such issues. He notes that steering a patient's concerns toward a therapist's agenda is characteristic of the "false memory syndrome." Furthermore, the recommended therapy (insight-oriented, psychodynamic therapy) is known to be ineffective for panic disorder.
2. Prevalence of "Therapy of the 1990s": Dr. Piper encountered an advertisement for "past life regression therapy," which offers self-healing and self-understanding through hypnosis. He is concerned that such therapies, especially those claiming to access memories from before birth, are gaining traction.
3. APA Endorsement of Questionable Therapies: He points out that organizations offering continuing education credits for therapies like "Past Life Regression Therapy" and "Thought Field Therapy" include the American Psychological Association (APA). While the APA states that authorizing credits does not equate to endorsement, Dr. Piper questions whether this appearance of endorsement influences public perception and encourages a belief that all psychotherapies are equally valid.
4. Tenacity of Advocates: Dr. Piper notes that some advocates of "improper psychotherapy" tenaciously adhere to their treatment models despite adverse publicity and numerous lawsuits. He gives an example of a psychotherapist who continued to encourage patients to believe in extreme scenarios of abuse, even after nearly losing his license.

Dr. Piper concludes by questioning whether there is still a need for the FMSF, implying that the answer is a resounding yes.

"Thought Field Therapy" Brochure

A brochure for an American Academy of Psychotherapists event describes "Thought Field Therapy (TFT)" as a revolutionary psychotherapy that heals at a fundamental level using energy meridian treatment points, promising dramatic rapid improvement for trauma, anxiety, addictive urges, phobias, and more.

Personal Stories and Letters

Sophie's Peas: Waiting for their return

Helen Cowles shares a poignant personal story about her daughter Sophie, who was taken away by her mother after the mother's therapist recommended separation from the family due to "lost" memories. Cowles describes the joy of gardening with Sophie and the subsequent pain of separation, noting that her garden has not yielded good peas since Sophie left.

A Connection

John Stephens recounts the emotional toll of being accused of abuse by his daughter thirteen years prior. He describes the struggle through a bitter custody battle, his eventual acquittal, and his persistent efforts to reconnect with his daughter through letters and photos. He notes a recent breakthrough where his daughter initiated contact, indicating a potential for reconciliation.

Apologize First

A reader, identified as "A Mom," expresses agreement with the sentiment that an accusing daughter must apologize and retract her accusations before fully resuming her place in the family.

Sanctified Memories?

Another reader shares an experience where their son reported a conversation with their accusing daughter, who attributed her recovered memory to divine revelation ("God told me"). The parents wonder about a link between this development and a shift to a more fundamentalist church or prior counseling.

Before and After

A letter from a daughter to her "Dad and 'M'" expresses gratitude for their love and support, particularly on the eve of her wedding. She thanks her father for raising her and her stepmother for becoming a mother figure.

"Shrink to Fit"

This section includes a humorous anecdote from Premiere Radio about Californians being more likely to be audited, with a joke about multiple personalities and tax deductions.

It Had to be Cash

A mother recounts her experience with her son's therapist, who allegedly insisted on cash payment and excluded the father from sessions. She expresses a desire to file a complaint against the therapist, who she believes may have had an M.D. degree.

Some Good News

This section details a positive outcome where "Sam's" daughter, after accusing him of sexual abuse, retracted her accusations after listening to radio broadcast tapes. She apologized to her father and sought to clear his name.

Little Fragments of Reality

Diana Anderson shares a quote stating that "false memories were comprised of things that I had seen in movies and read in books, read in the newspaper, dreamt about, little fragments of reality and fantasy that had been brought all together to make a story that seemed to fit."

Make a Difference

This section highlights efforts by individuals and groups to counteract the harm caused by false memory syndrome. It mentions parents distributing a book to judges in California and a reader in Michigan obtaining information on an accusing daughter's therapist through the Freedom of Information Act.

FMSF Activities and Resources

• Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois Meeting: An event is scheduled for September 19, 1998, in St. Louis, featuring the Rutherford Family.
• "The Power of Suggestion" Video: A documentary video produced by Sue Inder, about her husband's conviction based on recovered memory evidence, is available for purchase.
• Estate Planning: Information is provided for those who wish to include the FMSF in their estate planning.
• Research Participants Wanted: Two opportunities are advertised for individuals to participate in research studies related to false memories and childhood sexual abuse, one at the University of Portsmouth and another at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

FMSF Membership and Subscription

Information is provided on how to join the FMS Foundation, including yearly membership rates for individuals and families, and options for subscribing to the newsletter. Contact details for the FMS Foundation and its Executive Director, Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., are listed.

FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board

A comprehensive list of the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board members is included, featuring numerous academics and professionals in psychology, psychiatry, and related fields.

Video Tape Order Form

An order form is provided for a video tape titled "When Memories Lie
......The Rutherford Family Speaks to Families."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical stance on "recovered memory" therapy, highlighting its potential for creating false memories and causing significant harm to individuals and families. The publication emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor, due process, and the psychological and legal ramifications of unsubstantiated accusations. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards therapies that rely heavily on uncovering repressed memories without sufficient corroborating evidence, and a strong support for individuals and families affected by such accusations. The newsletter also serves as a platform for sharing personal experiences, legal updates, and resources for those involved in or researching false memory syndrome.