False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 12 No 06 - 2003 novdec

Magazine Overview

This issue of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, dated November/December 2003, Vol. 12 No. 6, addresses the ongoing challenges and developments related to false memory syndrome. The newsletter serves as a vital communication tool for families affected by this phenomenon and for professionals engaged in its research and treatment. The publication is supported by reader contributions and aims to correct misinformation and provide a platform for shared experiences.

Editorial Letter

The editorial letter from "Pamela" thanks the FMSF community for their support and highlights the foundation's work in combating the false memory problem. It emphasizes the importance of ongoing financial support for efforts to stop the FMS problem and maintain the newsletter. The letter also notes the foundation's work in correcting misinformation about memory in books and on the web, citing an example of a website correction after a letter to the editors.

Reader Letters

Two letters from families are featured. The first is from a father whose daughter has not reconciled with him, expressing gratitude for the FMS Foundation's impact on their lives and the prevention of similar trauma for others. He acknowledges the psychological effect the foundation has had and the value of its work, even if his wife cannot read the newsletter due to pain. The second letter is from a mother and father who detail their daughter's reconciliation after 11 years of separation. The daughter, after much soul-searching, therapy, and meditation, is certain that none of the accusations of abuse she believed or made against her parents ever occurred. She describes her own past experiences of sexual abuse, depression, and dissociation, and how therapy at a rape crisis center, while validating, led her to believe in repressed memories of abuse by her father. She expresses remorse for the pain caused to her parents and acknowledges their forgiveness.

Articles and Features

"Contagion Controlled" by Paul Quinnett, Ph.D.

This article recounts an outbreak of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) cases in the early 1990s, characterized by reports of satanic cult activity, ritual sex orgies, and alleged infanticide. Quinnett, as director of the service, challenged therapists who employed unproven methods like hypnosis and EMDR. He describes hiring a private investigator to debunk claims of a planned Halloween sacrifice, which revealed patients were not abducted. Despite this, some therapists remained entrenched in their beliefs, leading to firings. Quinnett notes a subsequent drop in MPD diagnoses and expresses concern about the prevalence of quackery in the private sector.

"News from Germany"

This section adapts a German TV description of "MPD: A delusion of therapists." It highlights the case of Elisabeth Reuter, who was convinced by a therapist in the early 1990s that she had 32 personalities and had been sexually abused by her father. Reuter later lodged complaints against her therapist, now certain she was never abused and was a victim of misdiagnosis. The article notes the rise and fall of MPD as a therapy fad in the USA, with numerous complaints against therapists and shocking court cases questioning therapeutic methods.

"Bennett Braun: Update"

Dr. Bennett Braun, a psychiatrist disciplined in Illinois for his treatment of Pat Burgus, has obtained a medical license in Montana. Braun had his license suspended and faced probation due to "dishonorable, unethical and unprofessional conduct."

"The Courage to Heal"

This brief note mentions that "The Courage to Heal" by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis is the second best-selling book at the Toronto Women's Bookstore, a center for the feminist community.

"Thank You from McGraw-Hill"

The FMSF received a "thank you" from McGraw-Hill editors for pointing out inaccurate information on their website, AccessScience, regarding the use of hypnosis as an "uncovering device" for memories.

FMSF Scientific Advisors in the News

Elizabeth Loftus, Ph.D., received an award for "distinguished scientific applications of psychology." Henry L. Roediger, III, Ph.D., was elected president of the American Psychological Society.

"CAN'T FIND A BOOK ?"

This section provides advice on finding out-of-print books, such as E. Loftus's "The Myth of Repressed Memories," suggesting Amazon.com or "Out of Print Books."

A quote from R. Duckett in the Telegram & Gazette criticizes the use of psychological jargon in films to create convoluted plots, particularly concerning personality schisms and illusions.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Recognizes Tainted Memory in Child Sex Abuse Cases

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that defendants in sex abuse cases are entitled to a "taint" hearing to show that a child's memory may have been influenced by improper interviewing techniques. The decision acknowledges that children can have false memories.

"Changing Times"

This section discusses the University of Wisconsin's "Mid-West Sex Abuse Conference." For years, FMSF families have tried to balance presentations, but victim bias has often prevailed. This year, an FMSF application for a vendor table was accepted, though the conference was smaller than in previous years.

"A Web Site of Interest"

The National Center for Reason and Justice (www.ncrj.org) is highlighted as an organization that champions the causes of people who believe they have been falsely convicted.

"Blue/Orange: Award Winning Play Addresses Mental Health Issues"

This review discusses Joe Penhall's play "Blue/Orange," which uses comedy to explore issues within the mental health system, focusing on a psychiatrist's debate over a patient's diagnosis and discharge. The play touches on the potential for psychiatrists to influence patient symptoms and the broader issues of the psychiatric industry.

"Recovering from Recovered Memories" by Mark Pendergrast

Mark Pendergrast offers excerpts from his unpublished book proposal, "Recovering from Recovered Memories." He discusses the pain and confusion experienced by families affected by the recovered memory phenomenon and aims to provide a self-help primer for reconciliation. Pendergrast emphasizes that "massive repression" is likely not a human capacity and that many adult children are realizing their recovered memories may be inaccurate.

A quote from Mick Hume in The Times (London) criticizes the "abuse excuse" as a legal device to avoid responsibility.

"LEGAL CORNER"

#### Virginia Board of Medicine Suspends License of Doctor Who Practiced Memory-Recovery

This article details the suspension of Dr. Martin Stein's license by the Virginia Board of Medicine for using hypnosis, suggestion, and psychiatric drugs in treating a patient who recovered memories of her father being a cult leader and involved in abuse. The case highlights failures in the state's monitoring system.

#### Retractor Cases

Two cases are summarized: "Smith vs. Gentile et al." in Arizona, where Mary Smith claims her therapist induced false memories of multiple personality disorder, and a case involving Dr. Stein where a patient's father sued him. The article notes that retractor cases have dwindled but some are still in courts.

"UPDATE OF CASES WE HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING"

#### Amirault (Massachusetts)

Gerald Amirault was granted parole after serving 17 years for child abuse in a day care center. His mother and sister were released earlier. Some children affected by the case are upset about the parole.

#### Klassen (Saskatchewan)

Richard Klassen and others are suing for $10 million, claiming they were falsely accused of sexual abuse and satanic rituals due to selective and intimidating questioning of children. The case is ongoing, with a judge considering a motion to dismiss.

A quote from M. Froese-Kooijenga in The Star Phoenix states that falsely accused individuals deserve an apology.

"Alien Abduction"

This section discusses research by Richard McNally and Susan Clancy suggesting that people who believe they have been abducted by aliens may exhibit physiological changes similar to PTSD and may be more prone to developing false memories. A checklist of potential signs of alien abduction is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently advocates for a critical examination of recovered memory claims and therapeutic practices associated with them. It highlights legal cases that question the validity of such memories and the potential for malpractice by mental health professionals. The FMSF appears to support a skeptical stance towards the widespread belief in repressed memories of abuse, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and the potential for iatrogenic harm. The publication also serves as a community hub for those affected by these issues, offering support and shared experiences, while also working to counter what it perceives as misinformation in the public sphere.

The FMS Foundation Newsletter, Volume 12, Number 6, published in November/December 2003, is a publication of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. The issue focuses on the complexities and controversies surrounding recovered memories, particularly in the context of alleged childhood sexual abuse, and their profound impact on individuals and families. The newsletter includes personal accounts, reviews of relevant literature, and resources for support and information.

Personal Accounts and Letters

A Daughter's Tragedy One poignant letter from a father, identified as 'A dad,' recounts the tragic suicide of his 35-year-old estranged daughter. The daughter had engaged in counseling for low self-esteem, during which she was suggested to have been sexually abused as a child. Despite no explicit accusation of sexual abuse being made, she was led to believe her father had harmed her. Her beliefs were never fully revealed, and she endured years of therapy attempting to recall events that never happened. The father expresses his pain and confusion, noting that her suicide was triggered by an unrelated tragedy, and that her suicide note made no reference to abuse. He expresses gratitude for the comfort received from the FMS family over the years.

A Strained Family Relationship Another letter, also from 'A dad,' details the ongoing challenges with his daughter, whose relationship had been good for three years but has recently resurfaced with talk of 'false memories.' He recounts a period of no communication for thirteen years, followed by a gradual re-establishment of contact. While a recent meeting with his daughter and grandchildren was warm, he notes a lack of genuine interest, evidenced by her not visiting or calling when he was hospitalized. He feels that despite some progress, the underlying issues remain unresolved.

A Former Patient's Therapy Experience A letter from 'A former patient' describes a deeply distressing experience with a therapist who, despite initially agreeing with the patient's skepticism towards recovered memories, ultimately employed techniques that led to the fabrication of memories. The patient recounts constant questioning and reassurance from the therapist that she was not making things up, describing the experience as a 'living hell' from which she is amazed to have survived. The patient speculates that the therapist may have encouraged confabulation to keep her in therapy.

'My Two Cents' An anonymous contributor, 'An angry sister,' expresses strong disapproval of author Laura Davis's stance on recovered memories, particularly her reconciliation with her mother. She criticizes Davis's book, 'The Courage to Heal,' as having caused 'tremendous damage' and states she feels nothing but bitterness, contrasting her own family's experience where her sister was absent during their father's final days.

'An Accused Mom' Shirley Souza, writing as 'An accused mom,' shares a brief anecdote about a moment of fear when she encountered a lost child in a store, highlighting the lingering impact of fear in her life.

Resources and Reviews

Book Reviews and Recommendations The newsletter features reviews and ordering information for several books related to recovered memories and trauma: * Victims of Memory: Sex Abuse Accusations and Shattered Lives by Mark Pendergrast. Praised for its comprehensive scholarship and balanced portrayal of the recovered-memories controversy. * Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of "Repressed Memory" and Childhood Trauma by Harrison G. Pope, Jr., M.D. Described as an indispensable guide for understanding research claims about recovered memories. * Remembering Trauma by Richard McNally. Presented as a comprehensive review of research about trauma and memory. * Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology edited by S. O. Lilienfeld, S.J. Lynn, and J.M. Lohr. Highly recommended.

Web Sites of Interest A comprehensive list of websites is provided, covering topics such as false memory research, memory exhibits, and organizations dedicated to supporting those affected by false memory accusations. This includes links to the Lampinen Lab False Memory Reading Group, The Exploratorium Memory Exhibit, and various FMS societies and resources.

Legal Websites A short list of legal websites is also included for further research.

FMSF Information and Support

Contacts and Meetings The newsletter includes an extensive 'Bulletin Board' listing contacts and meeting times for FMSF support groups across the United States, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This section emphasizes the widespread nature of the FMSF community and its commitment to providing local support.

Foundation Information Information about the FMS Foundation is provided, including its address, phone number, fax, email, and website. It clarifies that the Foundation is a qualified 501(c)3 corporation and that all contributions must be forwarded to the Foundation. The newsletter is available via email or mail for those who contribute at least $30.00.

How to Contribute Details are provided for making contributions via Visa, Discover, Mastercard, or check/money order, along with a form to fill out for donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the devastating impact of false memory accusations, the controversial nature of recovered memory therapy, and the challenges faced by families dealing with these issues. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the content and the existence of the FMS Foundation itself, is clearly one of skepticism towards recovered memory claims and support for those who believe they have been wrongly accused or harmed by such therapies. The newsletter aims to provide a platform for personal stories, critical analysis of research and therapy practices, and a network of support for individuals and families affected by the false memory syndrome.