False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 12 No 02 - 2003 marapril

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation Newsletter, dated March/April 2003, Volume 12, Number 2, addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding recovered memories, particularly in the context of alleged childhood sexual abuse. It highlights the divergence between psychological research and therapeutic practice, the legal ramifications of suggestive testimony, and legislative developments.

Key Articles and Discussions

The Debate on Traumatic Amnesia and Scientific Studies

The newsletter opens with a question posed by Harvard psychologist Richard McNally, Ph.D., regarding the paradoxical use of the same scientific studies by opposing sides in the recovered memory debate. McNally asserts that many advocates of the traumatic amnesia position misunderstand the science they cite. The article notes that while popular press coverage is improving, misunderstandings persist.

Several case examples illustrate the recovered memory phenomenon, including a plaintiff alleging repressed memories of abuse that emerged during therapy. The text points out that the vividness of false memories can mimic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and that sensory details are often used to distinguish real memories, but can be manipulated to create false ones.

The Scientist-Practitioner Gap and Trauma Treatment

Social psychologist Carol Tavris is quoted on the widening gap between research and practice in psychology, leading to a "scientist-practitioner gap." Lauren Slater's article in the *New York Times Magazine* is discussed, which explores how research does not support therapies focused on reliving trauma, suggesting that individuals who "minimize, distract or deny" may fare better. The article questions the hypothesis of "repressed trauma" having specific neural correlates, noting that its truth remains unknown.

Research on PTSD and Memory

Two articles review research on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

• "Flashbacks and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Genesis of a 20th-Century Diagnosis" by Edgar Jones et al. examines whether PTSD is a timeless condition or a modern presentation. Analysis of war pension files from 1854 onward showed significantly more flashbacks in veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War compared to those from earlier wars, suggesting culture impacts the expression of trauma.
• "Progress and Controversy in the Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" by Richard J. McNally reviews contentious issues in traumatic stress studies. McNally notes that PTSD diagnosis requires exposure to a stressor, but the definition of "stressor" has expanded. He discusses the "dose-response" model and the variability in trauma memory recall over time, suggesting that trauma memories, like other reconstructed memories, can be altered. The article raises concerns about veterans exaggerating symptoms for compensation and the issue of "phony combat vets" contaminating research. McNally also refutes claims that traumatic stress damages the brain, citing evidence of genetic influence on hippocampal size. He strongly criticizes the misunderstanding of science by advocates of traumatic amnesia, referencing the book *Memory, Trauma, Treatment, and the Law*.

Suggestibility, Reliability, and the Legal Process

Robert Rosenthal's article, "Suggestibility, Reliability, and the Legal Process," is highlighted. It aims to help legal professionals understand how legal principles require the exclusion of suggestion-induced accusations. Rosenthal argues that suggestive interview techniques can corrupt children's reports and provides legal arguments to challenge "suggestion-tainted testimony." He emphasizes that the Constitution guarantees the right to be prosecuted only by reliable evidence and that the focus should be on the suggestive methods, not solely on the age of the witness.

False Memory Syndrome and Legal Cases

An article titled "Is There A False Memory Syndrome? A Review of Three Cases" by Kaplan and Manicavasagar argues for the inclusion of "factitious disorder" with a "false memories/beliefs of abuse" subcategory in diagnostic manuals. They outline features typical of FMS, including memories of sexual abuse emerging in therapy without prior awareness, dense memories from early childhood, association with claims of satanic ritual abuse or Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), lack of corroborating evidence, and evidence of suggestion during therapy.

Legal Developments and Legislative Actions

The newsletter details several legal cases and legislative proposals:

• City of Wenatchee Fined $718,000: The city was fined for withholding crucial documents in a lawsuit concerning discredited child-abuse investigations.
• Wisconsin Legislators Introduce Bill to End Statute of Limitations in Repressed Memory Cases: Proposed legislation would allow victims to sue religious organizations if clergy members had previous sexual contact with a minor and the organization failed to prevent it.
• Maryland Considers Extending Statute of Limitations in Child Abuse Cases: A house bill aims to extend the statute of limitations for child abuse cases, allowing victims more time to file civil suits, especially those with repressed memories.
• Bill Proposes End of Statute of Limitations in Sex Abuse Civil Cases in Washington State: House Bill 1040 seeks to remove the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse civil cases, allowing lawsuits within three years of discovering the abuse or its effects, or by age 18 plus 12 years.
• Utah Legislators Propose Ban on Holding Therapies: A bill to ban restraint therapies, like "holding therapy," was passed by the House but stalled in the Senate, following the death of Candace Newmaker.

Personal Accounts and FMSF Support

Several "From Our Readers" sections feature personal stories:

• News from the Netherlands Workgroup Fictive Memories: A Rotterdam court ruled against a father accused by his daughter of sexual abuse, prohibiting him from making further accusations without proof.
• News from Winnipeg, Manitoba: A support group shares how they have reunited, though the "elephant in the room" (the past accusations) remains unspoken.
• Not Everyone is Reconciled: A mother recounts her daughter's false accusation of sexual abuse eight years prior, the lasting impact on her family, and her struggle to cope.
• Waiting to Write This Letter: A couple shares their daughter's return after years of estrangement, attributing it to her doubting her therapy and her desire to reconnect with family.
• No Explanation: Another parent describes their daughter's return and reconciliation without any explanation or apology, emphasizing the importance of keeping a door open for estranged family members.
• Paul Ingram Update: This section provides an update on Paul Ingram, who was convicted based on false memories of satanic cult activities and sexual abuse, and is awaiting mandatory release. It details his case, including the role of psychologist Richard Ofshe.

Legal Corner: Tyo v. Ross

The "Legal Corner" details the case of *Tyo v. Ash et al. and Colin Ross*, where a former patient sued therapists, including Colin Ross, M.D., for allegedly planting false memories of satanic abuse. The complaint alleges negligence, fraud, and conspiracy, with therapists accused of using suggestive techniques, hypnosis, and reinforcing "repressed memories" to extract money from the patient and her insurance carrier.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unreliability of recovered memories, the potential for therapeutic practices to create false memories, and the critical need for scientific evidence to guide legal and therapeutic decisions. The FMSF Newsletter consistently advocates for a critical assessment of memory claims, particularly those emerging from therapy, and highlights the importance of research in understanding trauma and memory. The editorial stance is clearly aligned with skepticism towards the recovered memory movement and emphasizes the protection of defendants' rights through reliable evidence.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Vol. 12 No. 2, published March/April 2003, is dedicated to issues surrounding false memory syndrome and recovered memory therapy. The publication aims to expose and eliminate what it terms the "horror" of this form of "therapy."

The Paul Ingram Case: Suggestibility and False Memories

The issue begins by detailing the case of Paul R. Ingram, who developed "vivid memories" of abuse after being encouraged to "pray on it." The article highlights how Ingram's story became the subject of a New Yorker article by Lawrence Wright and a Mirabella article by Barbara Grizzuti. It points out the chilling recognition that individuals can become complicit in their own victimization. Ingram, a deputy sheriff, initially denied the accusations from his daughters but later expressed a "hard time" hugging his kids, suggesting a potential underlying issue. His daughters' stories escalated, alleging abuse by their parents and a conspiracy of sex criminals. Ingram pleaded guilty to six counts of rape, though he later attempted to withdraw his plea. The article notes that he is serving a twenty-year sentence and that the Washington State Supreme Court upheld his conviction. It suggests that Ingram was subjected to a form of torture during interrogation, where he was "inculcated with the assurance that innocence of guilt was proof of guilt."

"Crueler Tyrannies: Accusation, False Witness, and Other Terrors of Our Times"

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to a review of Dorothy Rabinowitz's book, "Crueler Tyrannies." The review, sourced from Kirkus Review, states that Rabinowitz, a Wall Street Journal editorial board member and Pulitzer-winner, revisits the sexual-abuse trials of the 1980s and concludes they were "egregious miscarriages of justice." The book critiques the entire system that facilitated these trials, including overzealous police and prosecutors, "professional child-abuse experts," a "rapacious media," and a public with a "boundless appetite for the salacious."

The Culture of Recovery and "Interesting" People

A piece by Rick Marin, reprinted from Bazaar magazine, questions whether one needs to be "messed up" to be considered an interesting person. It suggests that the "American culture of recovery" subliminally promotes the idea that "nondysfunctional people are boring," leaving those who haven't experienced trauma or abuse feeling excluded.

Handy Descriptions: Critiquing Recovered Memory Therapy

Under the heading "Handy Descriptions," the newsletter provides a list of adjectives and nouns used to describe Recovered Memory Therapy, characterizing it as "flagrant malpractice," "purposeful waste," "sadistic persecution," "psychological 'murder'," "calculated chicanery," "sanctioned fraud," "professional insanity," and "legalized criminality," among others. The text suggests that many of these adjectives can be exchanged with the nouns, implying a pervasive and systemic failure within the practice.

Resources and Further Information

The newsletter includes extensive lists of "Some Articles Available on the Web," categorized by topic such as "Legal Interest," "SRA/DID" (Satanic Ritual Abuse/Dissociative Identity Disorder), and "Memory/General." It also provides a comprehensive list of "Web Sites of Interest" and "Legal Websites of Interest," offering readers numerous avenues to research the issues further. Contact information for FMS Foundation meetings and contacts across the United States, Canada, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom is also provided.

FMS Foundation Information

The newsletter concludes with information about the FMS Foundation, including its address, phone number, fax, email, and website. It details the FMSF Scientific and Professional Advisory Board as of March 1, 2003, listing numerous prominent individuals in psychology and related fields. It also includes a section on "Your Contribution Will Help," outlining how to donate to the Foundation, and provides details on how to receive electronic versions of the newsletter and FMS-News via email. The FMS Foundation is described as a qualified 501(c)3 corporation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critique of Recovered Memory Therapy and its associated practices, the questioning of the validity of recovered memories, and the exposure of what the Foundation views as systemic failures in the legal and psychological systems that handle such cases. The editorial stance is clearly against Recovered Memory Therapy, characterizing it as fraudulent and harmful, and advocating for a critical examination of accusations and testimonies related to it. The newsletter actively promotes research and awareness to combat what it perceives as a widespread problem.