False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 15 No 02 - 2006 marapril

Magazine Overview

The False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) Newsletter, Volume 15, Number 2, dated March/April 2006, addresses critical issues surrounding the concept of recovered memories, particularly in light of the upcoming CBS remake of the movie 'Sybil.' The newsletter highlights the ethical concerns that the remake might perpetuate the idea of 'Sybil' as a documented case of multiple personalities, when evidence suggests it was a hoax induced by therapeutic suggestion.

Main Articles and Content

The 'Sybil' Remake and Media Ethics The lead article calls for reader assistance in contacting television-movie reviewers to provide them with background information about the 'Sybil' case. It argues that the original 'Sybil' story, which led to a surge in multiple personality disorder diagnoses, has since been shown to be a fabrication. The FMSF emphasizes that portraying the remake without this crucial context is an ethical issue, drawing parallels to how publishers have withdrawn fraudulent memoirs.

Recovered Memory Phenomenon and Scientific Consensus The newsletter presents a strong case against the validity of widespread recovered memories of trauma. It cites a statement from Richard J. Lowenstein, M.D., which is critically examined and refuted by the FMSF. A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to refuting the claim that studies of natural disasters and the Holocaust have found amnesia, presenting a table summarizing numerous studies of trauma survivors.

Study on Amnesia in Trauma Survivors Pages 7-10 feature an extensive table compiled from a literature search by Pope et al. (2002), which reviewed studies of psychological symptoms in trauma survivors from 1960 to 1999. The table meticulously lists various traumatic events (Holocaust, war, natural disasters, abuse, etc.), the number of subjects, data collection methods, and findings regarding amnesia. The overwhelming conclusion from this compilation is that in the vast majority of studies, subjects did *not* report repressed memories or amnesia for the traumatic event. When amnesia was noted, it was often explainable by ordinary reasons like loss of consciousness or early childhood amnesia, or it was not the primary focus of the study. The authors of the review conclude that "none of the more than 11,000 victims is reported to have repressed the memory of the traumatic event." The table highlights specific studies where amnesia was investigated, consistently finding its absence or limited presence.

Legal Cases and Expert Testimony The "Legal Corner" section details two significant legal cases. The first, *Gray v. Powers*, involved a $330,000 award to a patient who claimed misdiagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) and false memories of satanic ritual abuse due to hypnosis and suggestive therapy. The defense argued that the patient brought up the memories herself. The second case, *Phillips v. Gelpke*, saw a New Jersey Appeals Court overturn a jury award, ruling that cases based on repressed memories cannot proceed without expert testimony diagnosing dissociative amnesia and explaining the concept of recalled repressed memories. This underscores the growing legal requirement for scientific corroboration.

Research on Dissociative Disorders An article discusses a study by Pope et al. (2006) that tracked scientific publications on dissociative disorders from 1984-2003. It found that while publications on established diagnoses like anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia showed steady growth, those on dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder exhibited a "bubble" pattern: a sharp rise in the 1980s, a peak in the mid-1990s, and a subsequent sharp decline. This pattern suggests that these diagnostic entities have not maintained consistent scientific interest and may not command widespread scientific acceptance.

Commentary on Child Abuse Hysteria Charles Pragnell contributes a commentary titled "A History of Atrocity and Man's Inhumanity to Man," reflecting on the detritus of "child abuse hysteria." He discusses cases like the Outreau case in France and the McMartin Preschool molestation case, noting how false accusations and systemic failures have devastated families. Pragnell links these events to broader historical atrocities committed in the name of state or ideology, warning that the current era's actions, particularly those impacting children and families, will be seen as a legacy of man's inhumanity.

New Articles of Interest Several new articles are highlighted, including research on the malleability of memory (Laney & Loftus), debunking myths about trauma and memory (McNally), and how photographs can create false memories (Garry & Gerrie). These articles reinforce the newsletter's central theme of questioning the reliability of recovered memories.

Letters and Support Pamela Freyd, Ph.D., provides a concluding message thanking supporters and reiterating the call for information on television-movie reviewers. The newsletter also includes a "Special Thanks" section acknowledging editorial support and contributions from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMSF Newsletter consistently promotes a skeptical stance towards the recovered memory movement and diagnoses like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), particularly when based on suggestive therapeutic practices. The editorial stance is that many cases of MPD/DID are iatrogenic (caused by treatment) or are fabrications, leading to significant harm to individuals and families. The newsletter advocates for rigorous scientific evidence, corroboration, and expert testimony in legal and therapeutic contexts. It actively seeks to counter what it perceives as misinformation in the media and to educate the public and professionals about the unreliability of certain memory claims and diagnostic categories. The recurring themes include the critique of therapeutic malpractice, the importance of scientific consensus in psychology, the ethical responsibilities of media outlets, and the devastating consequences of unsubstantiated claims on individuals and society.

Title: FMS Foundation Newsletter
Issue: Vol. 15 No. 2
Date: March/April 2006
Publisher: FMS Foundation
Country: USA
ISSN: 1069-0484

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, titled "The Memory Wars: Part 1," delves into the controversial phenomenon of the false memory syndrome (FMS) that significantly impacted families and legal systems in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The newsletter presents a critical perspective on recovered memory therapy, highlighting research and personal accounts that challenge the validity of such memories.

The Memory Wars: Part 1

The main article, "The Memory Wars: Part 1," by Martin Gardner, describes the period as a "tragic mental health scandal" where thousands of families were "cruelly ripped apart" by accusations of childhood sexual abuse. These accusations, often made by adult daughters against fathers or other relatives, were frequently brought to light through suggestive therapeutic techniques like hypnotism, doses of sodium amytal, guided imagery, and dream analysis. Gardner emphasizes that hypnotism is particularly worthless for dredging up accurate memories, as patients become highly suggestible.

Key Figures and Research

Elizabeth Loftus, a distinguished experimental psychologist, is highlighted for her work debunking repressed memories, particularly through her book "The Myth of Repressed Memory." Pamela Freyd, founder of the FMS Foundation, is recognized for establishing the nonprofit in 1992 after she and her husband Peter were falsely accused. The FMS Foundation has since provided support to thousands of parents facing similar charges.

The article references several books that critique the false memory movement, including Eleanor Goldstein's "Confabulations: Creating False Memories, Destroying Families," Mark Pendergrast's "Victims of Memory: Incest Accusations and Shattered Lives," and Frederic Crews's "The Memory Wars: Freud's Legacy in Dispute."

The Little Rascals Case

A prominent case discussed is the Little Rascals daycare center in Edenton, North Carolina. Children there, under suggestive therapy, fabricated elaborate tales of abuse and murder, leading to the conviction of the co-owner, Robert Kelly, on ninety-nine counts of first-degree sex offenses. Kelly was sentenced to twelve consecutive life terms but was later released on bond pending an appeals court decision. A 1995 television documentary, "Innocence Lost," reportedly concluded that the children had confabulated their stories.

The Nature of Memory and Suggestibility

Daniel Goleman's article "Studies Reflect Suggestibility of Very Young Witnesses" is cited to demonstrate how easily children can be led by therapists to imagine events. The article notes that traumatic memories are rarely repressed until years later; more commonly, victims try to forget them.

Critiques of Popular Books

The newsletter criticizes popular books that promote the idea of repressed memories, such as Ellen Bass and Laura Davis's "The Courage to Heal" and Sue Blume's "Secret Survivors." These books are accused of persuading women that their problems stem from forgotten childhood sexual abuse.

The Holly Ramona Case

The case of Holly Ramona is detailed, where she accused her father of incest after therapy. Her therapists interpreted her dislikes (mayonnaise, soup, melted cheese, bananas, cucumbers, pickles) as confirmations of recovered memories. Her father sued the therapists, and psychiatrist Lenore Terr testified as an expert witness. A California court ultimately awarded Ramona's father a settlement, rejecting the Freudian interpretations.

Other Manifestations of FMS

The newsletter touches upon other phenomena influenced by the FMS movement, including beliefs in alien abductions (citing David M. Jacobs and John E. Mack) and the 'Satanic panic' fueled by Protestant fundamentalists. It also mentions New Age psychiatrists who believe in reincarnation, citing Shirley MacLaine.

Decline of the Memory Wars

Four reasons are given for the gradual decline of the memory wars: reversals by appellate courts, increased education of the public, a growing number of "recanters" (those who realize they were misled), and settlements from malpractice lawsuits against therapists.

Reader Letters and Personal Accounts

High Hopes

A letter from "A mom and dad" expresses their ongoing hope for their daughters' return, who have not been in contact for some time. They are thankful for the information in the newsletter that might help.

Wonderfully Weird

Another letter from "A mom" shares a positive experience of her daughter returning after 15 years, noting a sense of peace and the absence of anger or bitterness.

After 14 Years!

This letter recounts a family reunion after 14 years, where a daughter who had accused her father of molestation apologized and reconnected. The family expresses gratitude for the Foundation's support and prays for continued healing.

She Read Our Letters

This section details a mother's joy as her daughter, after 12 years of estrangement, reconnected and expressed that she had read all the mail sent to her. The mother emphasizes the importance of not giving up hope.

We Finally Talked

A mother shares her daughter's decision to seek therapy for her own daughter, and her own advice to be cautious with therapists. She reflects on how the FMS Foundation's support helped her through difficult times.

I Was Adamant But...

This letter describes a daughter's unexpected return after years of estrangement, following accusations against her father. The mother, initially adamant about confession, is now taking a more flexible approach, influenced by information from the Foundation.

Other Sections

Contacts & Meetings

The newsletter includes extensive listings of FMS Foundation contacts and meeting locations across the United States and internationally, serving as a resource for individuals seeking support.

Web Sites of Interest

A comprehensive list of websites related to false memory, therapy, and related topics is provided, including links to the FMS Foundation's own website.

Recommended Books

Several books are recommended, including "Remembering Trauma" by Richard McNally, "Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology" edited by Lilienfeld et al., and "Psychology Astray: Fallacies in Studies of 'Repressed Memory' and Childhood Trauma" by Harrison G. Pope, Jr.

Abducted: How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped by Aliens

A review of Susan A. Clancy's book discusses how individuals can develop beliefs in alien abductions, often stemming from a search for answers to personal distress and a desire to feel special.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The FMS Foundation Newsletter consistently maintains a critical stance against the concept of repressed memories and recovered memory therapy, viewing them as a source of widespread psychological and social harm. The publication emphasizes the role of suggestive techniques and therapist influence in creating false memories, particularly in cases of alleged child sexual abuse. It champions the work of researchers who debunk these theories and provides a platform for individuals and families who have been negatively impacted by false accusations and the FMS movement. The newsletter also promotes the idea that genuine traumatic memories are typically not repressed but are instead difficult to forget. The overall editorial stance is one of skepticism towards recovered memories and strong support for those wrongly accused.