False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 08 No 03 - 1999 aprilmay

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated April/May 1999, Vol. 8 No. 3, focuses heavily on skepticism regarding Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The newsletter critiques the media's role in popularizing MPD, questioning the scientific basis for its widespread acceptance and the methods used in its diagnosis and treatment.

Media Influence and Popularity of MPD

The newsletter opens by noting the explosion of MPD in the media, citing Cameron West's book "First Person Plural" reaching the New York Times Best Seller list and appearances on shows like Oprah and the Today show. It highlights the unsupported claim made on the Today show that children coping with sexual abuse sometimes develop MPD as adults. Programs on "The Unexplained: Multiple Personalities" and the Montel Williams program are also mentioned as contributing to the public's perception of MPD without critical examination. The newsletter questions why a diagnosis with discredited roots and limited clinical support continues to be popular in the media.

Frances and First, co-editors of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV), are quoted stating that conditions popular with Hollywood and media have a high chance of being "wildly overdiagnosed." They suggest that the popularity of DID might be a "social contagion," where suggestible people and therapists are drawn to a "new fad diagnosis." Robin Dawes is cited for noting that people rely on authorities and social consensus for their beliefs, which television and therapists can shape. The newsletter expresses disappointment that skepticism was not more prominent in the DSM-IV and wonders if professional organizations taking a stronger stand could break the "destructive loop" of media presentation.

Legal Ramifications of MPD

The "Legal Corner" section details the complex legal issues surrounding MPD. It notes the transformation of MPD from a rare diagnosis to an "epidemic," particularly among women in the United States. Critics argue that MPD is primarily created through hypnosis or suggestion, while proponents suggest therapists have become better at recognizing symptoms. Courts struggle to establish a sound judicial policy due to the contradictory nature of MPD opinions.

Several "mythic MPD cases" are presented where defendants claimed MPD after being charged with crimes. The case of Billy Milligan, found not guilty by reason of insanity for kidnapping, rape, and robbery due to MPD, is highlighted. However, more often, MPD claims fail, as in the case of James Carlson, who faked MPD for a rape trial, and Cathleen Byers, who claimed MPD for embezzlement but was found guilty. The difficulty in cross-examining MPD claimants as witnesses is also discussed, raising questions about sworn testimony from multiple personalities and the need for separate legal representation for each.

The newsletter examines the "MPD Defense in Felony Cases," outlining the "host personality" and "specific alter" approaches. Both assume distinct personalities and the existence of a reliable method to identify them and their control. The article notes that prosecution experts often conclude defendants are malingering, especially in capital cases. The ease with which MPD symptoms can be faked, particularly with suggestive hypnosis, is a significant concern.

The Role of Hypnosis in MPD

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the "Role of Hypnosis in the Induction of Multiple Personality." It presents evidence that MPD-like symptoms and ideas can be planted in patients' minds through hypnosis, sodium amytal, or other suggestive means. Malpractice claims by former patients who say they were misdiagnosed with MPD and led to falsely believe they had an abuse history often describe hypnotic techniques used in diagnosis and treatment.

Experimental induction of behaviors similar to MPD through hypnosis is noted from a 1942 report. Dr. Martin Orne's criteria for a genuine MPD case are mentioned, emphasizing that signs should antedate contact with the clinician and personalities should be consistent. The newsletter points out the frequent use of hypnosis in MPD felony cases and outlines several cases where hypnosis played a role:

• Colorado Case: A defendant committed to a state hospital for MPD treatment argued for an outside therapist using hypnosis, claiming lack of rapport with hospital staff. The court agreed with the defense that MPD treatment requires hypnosis and patient confidence.
• New Jersey Murder Case: A defendant charged with murder claimed MPD, with one personality acting during the offense. Dr. Dorothy Lewis's use of hypnosis was noted, with Dr. Martin Orne concluding it was a form of hypnosis.
• New Jersey Appellate Court: Directed that hypnosis sessions be videotaped and pre-admission standards be established.
• Rodrigo Rodrigues Case: Charged with rape, Rodrigues was interviewed by psychiatrists, some using hypnosis, leading to MPD diagnoses. The court allowed the issue of MPD to go to the jury.
• Louisiana Murder Case: A defendant diagnosed with MPD after a psychologist used hypnosis to confirm the diagnosis. The psychologist testified that another personality was in control during the killing.
• Thomas Lee Bonney Case: Charged with murder, the defendant identified ten personalities through hypnosis. The defense expert testified that MPD could be created by hypnosis intervention, with leading questions and improper suggestions.
• Sharon Comitz Case: Charged with murder, a defendant acknowledged killing her son under hypnosis, with a psychiatrist suggesting the dissociation neared multiple personality.
• Amnesia Case: A defendant claiming no memory of shooting his wife underwent hypnosis to explore amnesia and MPD, becoming convinced he shot a "creature."
• Sedley Alley Case: Charged with rape and murder, the defendant was examined under hypnosis and sodium amytal. While the defense expert testified to the presence of other personalities, prosecution experts found no evidence of MPD.

The newsletter concludes that many of these cases highlight the problematic role of suggestive interviewing under hypnosis in eliciting behaviors that may be incorrectly ascribed to MPD.

Skepticism and Recommendations

August Piper, Jr., M.D., author of "Hoax and Reality: The Bizarre World of Multiple Personality Disorder," is featured, echoing concerns about the vagueness and imprecision of the concept of "personality" in MPD/DID. He critiques Elyn Saks' thesis that most multiples should be found criminally non-responsible, arguing it lacks common sense and psychiatric support, and would be "atrocious public policy."

The newsletter emphasizes that the procedures used to diagnose MPD can allow even naive subjects to role-play the condition. It notes that proponents endorse a wide range of symptoms, making it difficult to disprove a diagnosis. Acknowledgment from a leading expert that distinguishing malingered from genuine MPD is difficult is also cited.

The issue warns that MPD, as a widespread affliction, legal defense, and media celebrity, persists despite criticism. The authors express a desire for a "wooden stake" to combat these "fads."

Frances and First are quoted again, urging those who suspect they have DID or are in treatment to focus on "here-and-now problems" and avoid treatments seeking new personalities or uncovering past traumas. They suggest that most people do not qualify for the diagnosis and that the current overdiagnosis is an "illusory fad" leading to misdiagnosis and mistreatment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this newsletter is a strong skepticism towards Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The editorial stance is critical of the media's role in sensationalizing and popularizing the disorder, arguing that it contributes to overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. The newsletter advocates for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to understanding psychological phenomena, questioning the validity of diagnoses that rely heavily on suggestive techniques like hypnosis and subjective patient accounts. There is a clear call for professionals and organizations to take a stronger, more critical stance against the uncritical acceptance of MPD, and for a focus on educating the public and preventing the spread of what is perceived as a fad or social contagion. The FMS Foundation positions itself as a voice of dissent against what it views as a problematic and potentially harmful trend in psychiatry and public perception.

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated April/May 1999, Volume 8, Number 3, focuses on the controversial topic of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), and the phenomenon of repressed memories. The newsletter presents a critical perspective on MPD diagnosis and treatment, highlighting potential harms and questioning the validity of recovered memories.

Repressed Memories and MPD

The lead article discusses the surge in lawsuits filed by individuals claiming to have recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse, many of whom were diagnosed with MPD. It notes that a significant percentage of these cases were dismissed by courts, often because the diagnosis of MPD did not toll the statute of limitations. The article cites a case in Washington state where a jury found unanimously for the defendants in a suit brought by a woman claiming recovered memories of abuse by her brother.

Malpractice Suits Claiming Injury Due to Misdiagnosis of MPD

This section delves into malpractice suits and state licensure actions against therapists specializing in MPD. It suggests that certain therapy practices, including hypnosis, sodium amytal, strong medications, or traumatic imagery, can magnify therapist suggestions and lead individuals to exhibit MPD-like symptoms. The article points out that patients in these cases often experienced deterioration, attempted suicide, or self-mutilation. It also notes instances where patients were encouraged to hospitalize their children due to fears of ritualistic cults or the children developing MPD.

A comprehensive list of malpractice cases is provided, detailing various legal actions taken against therapists. The section emphasizes that most plaintiffs had no prior psychiatric history and entered therapy for issues like postpartum depression or marital problems, only to be told their difficulties indicated a deeper problem, often linked to childhood sexual abuse and repressed memories.

Book Review: First Person Plural: My Life as A Multiple by Cameron West

This section includes a critical review of Cameron West's autobiography, "First Person Plural: My Life as A Multiple." The reviewer questions the authenticity of West's claims, pointing to his overly dramatic writing style, inconsistencies in his narrative (such as a wheat allergy that disappears), and the implausibility of his alleged control over his multiple personalities. The review suggests that West's "alters" might be artifacts of suggestive therapy or even role-playing, rather than genuine dissociative states. The reviewer also critiques the therapists involved, particularly Dr. Arly Morelli, for prematurely concluding abuse occurred based on dreams and ambiguous drawings, and for not seeking external corroboration.

Another review, by Joan Acocella in The New Yorker, is also cited, describing MPD as a "tradeoff" where patients forfeit adult privileges for a return to a "sex-child dream." The review suggests that MPD may be a way for women to regain a childlike and sexual identity.

A note on suicidal deterioration with recovered memory treatment

This abstract reports on a survey comparing suicide attempts in patients diagnosed with MPD who developed false memories versus patients hospitalized for mood disorders. The findings suggest that MPD patients attempted suicide more frequently after diagnosis than before, indicating that the diagnosis and treatment of MPD may be harmful.

From Our Readers

Several letters from readers express concerns about MPD and recovered memory therapy:

• MPD Kills: Jaye D. Bartha writes about the deaths of five friends who were undergoing repressed memory therapy, suggesting that MPD treatment itself, rather than past abuse, is the culprit for suicidal behavior.
• A Start: A mother describes a difficult meeting with her daughter, who believes she was abused and has invested heavily in her false beliefs about therapy.
• Grateful: A mother and father express gratitude for their daughter's apology after years of estrangement.
• Hopeful: A mother expresses hope for reconciliation with her daughter after nine years of withdrawal.
• Wills: A reader inquires about people changing their wills to exclude daughters who have made accusations, suggesting a potential conflict arising from MPD-related accusations.

Bulletinboard

The newsletter includes a comprehensive list of FMSF contacts and meetings across the United States and internationally, as well as information on how to subscribe to the newsletter and order video tapes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is a critical examination of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and recovered memory therapy. The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently questions the validity of MPD diagnoses, the reliability of recovered memories, and the ethical and therapeutic practices employed by some clinicians in this field. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of MPD as a genuine disorder and highlights the potential for harm, including increased suicidal ideation and legal repercussions for therapists. The newsletter advocates for a more cautious and evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating individuals presenting with symptoms related to trauma and memory, emphasizing the need for external corroboration and questioning the role of therapist suggestion in the creation of memories.