Recovered memory therapy

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Recovered memory therapy (RMT) is a term coined by affiliates of the False Memory Syndrome Foundation (FMSF) in the early 1990s,[1][2][3] to refer what they described as a range of psychotherapy methods based on recalling memories of abuse that had previously been forgotten by the patient.[4] The term is not listed in DSM-IV or used by any mainstream formal psychotherapy modality.[1] The FMSF, an organization that advocates on behalf of individuals who claim they have been falsely accused of perpetrating child sexual abuse,[5] hypothesized that RMT can result in patients recalling instances of sexual abuse from their childhood that may not have actually occurred.[1] Some studies state that at least 10% of physical and sexual abuse victims forget the abuse.[6][7] [8] Hopper cites several studies which indicate that some abuse victims will have intervals of complete amnesia for their abuse.[9] Peer reviewed and clinical studies have documented the existence of recovered memory, one list cites 43 legal cases where an individual whose claim to have recovered a repressed memory has been accepted by a court.[10]

Contents

[edit] History

The term 'recovered memory therapy' was coined between 1992 and 1993 by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation.[1][2][3] A range of studies have found that at least 10% of physical and sexual abuse victims forget the abuse.[11][7] [8] Hopper cites several studies which indicate that some abuse victims will have intervals of complete amnesia for their abuse.[9] Peer reviewed and clinical studies have documented the existence of recovered memory, one list cites 43 legal cases where an individual whose claim to have recovered a repressed memory has been accepted by a court.[10]

The term RMT has been called a reactionary construct used by activists affiliated with the False Memory Syndrome Foundation as a way to contest the efficacy of the trauma model of psychopathology.[12] An inquiry into the practice by the Australian government found little support for or use of RMT from health professionals; rather the term was created by associations for political use.[13] In October, 2007, Scientific American published an article critical of RMT,[14] which was criticized as erroneous for presenting the idea that there was a coherent method or training for something called 'recovered memory therapy.'[15]

Some patients later retract memories they had previously believed to be recovered. Whilst false or contrived memories are possible reasons for such retractions, other explanations suggested for the retraction of allegations of abuse made by children and adults include guilt, a feeling of obligation to protect their family and a reaction to familial stress rather than a genuine belief that their memories are false.[16] The number of retractions is reported to be small compared to the actual number of child sexual abuse allegations made based on recovered memories.[12]

One study states that recovered memories are unconnected to psychotherapeutic treatment and that memories are often corroborated by independent evidence, often appearing while home or with family and friends, with suggestion being generally denied as a factor in recovering memories.[17]Very few participants were in therapy during their first memory recovery and a majority of participants in this study found strong corroboration of their recovered memories.[17]

[edit] Professional guidelines

There are several individuals and groups that have published guidelines, criticisms or cautions about recovered memory therapy and techniques to stimulate recall:

  • In the Brandon Report, a set of training, practice, research and professional development recommendations, the United Kingdom's Royal College of Psychiatrists advised psychiatrists to avoid use of RMT or any "memory recovery techniques", citing a lack of evidence to support the accuracy of memories recovered in this way.[18]
  • In 2004, the government of the Health Council of the Netherlands issued a report in response to inquiries from professionals regarding RMT and memories of traumatic child sexual abuse.[19] The Health Council stated that while traumatic childhood experiences were major risk factors for psychological problems in adulthood, most traumatic memories are well remembered but can be forgotten or become inaccessible though the influence of specific circumstances precludes a simple description of the relationship between memory and trauma. The report also notes that memories can be confabulated, re-interpreted and even apparently vivid or dramatic memories can be false, a risk that is increased when therapists use suggestive techniques, attempt to link symptoms to past trauma, with certain patients and through the use of methods to stimulate memories.[19]
  • The Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA) issued a similar statement, for contexts where false memories of child sexual abuse may arise. The AHA acknowledges that child sexual abuse is serious, damaging and at least some memories are genuine, while cautioning that some questioning techniques and interventions may lead to illusory memories leading to false beliefs about abuse.[20]
  • The Canadian Psychological Association has issued guidelines for psychologists addressing recovered memories.[21] Psychologists are urged to be aware of their limitations in knowledge and training regarding memory, trauma and development and "that there is no constellation of symptoms which is diagnostic of child sexual abuse". The guidelines also urge caution and awareness of the benefits and limitations of "relaxation, hypnosis, guided imagery, free associations, inner child exercises, age regression, body memory interpretation, body massage, dream interpretation, and the use of projective techniques" and special caution regarding any legal involvement of memories, abuse and therapy.

[edit] Skeptics

A review article on potentially harmful therapies (Lilienfeld 2007)listed RMT as a treatment that will probably produce harm in some who receive it.[22] Richard Ofshe, a member of the FMSF, describes the practice of "recovering" memories as fraudulent and dangerous.[23][verification needed]

A study by Elizabeth Loftus concluded that it is possible to produce false memories of childhood incidents in test subjects,[24] though the study has been criticized for an unwarranted extension of its results to memories of sexual abuse.[25]

[edit] Legal issues

Discussing RMT in parliament in 1995, an Australian state Minister for Health, Dr Andrew Refshauge – a former medical practitioner – stated that the general issue of admissibility of evidence based on recovered memories was one for the Attorney General. [26] In 2004 Australian Couselling Association issued a draft position statement regarding recovered memories in which they informed their membership of possible legal difficulties if they affirm accusations as true based solely upon discussion of a patient's recovered memories without adequate corroborating evidence. [27]

A degree of controversy does remain within legal circles, with some holding the view that therapists and courts should consider repressed memories the same as they consider regular memories. Three relevant studies state that repressed memories are "no more and no less accurate than continuous memories." [28]

Recovered memory therapy was an issue in the criminal trials of some Catholic priests accused of fondling or sexually assaulting juvenile-turned-adult parishioners. [29][30]

Several court cases awarded multi-million dollar verdicts against Minnesota psychiatrist Diane Bay Humenansky, who used hypnosis and other suggestive techniques associated with RMT, resulting in accusations by several patients against family members, that were later found to be false.[31][32][33]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Whitfield, CL; Silberg JL; Fink PJ (2001). Misinformation Concerning Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Survivors. Haworth Press. ISBN 0789019019. ; page 56.
  2. ^ a b Salter, Stephanie. "Feminist Treason and Intellectual Fascism" (reprint), San Francisco Examiner, 1993-04-07. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. 
  3. ^ a b Underwager, Ralph; Hollida Wakefield (1994). Return of the Furies: An Investigation into Recovered Memory Therapy. Open Court Pub Co, 360. ISBN 978-0812692716. 
  4. ^ Lief, Harold I (November 1999). "Patients Versus Therapists: Legal Actions Over Recovered Memory Therapy". Psychiatric Times XVI (11). 
  5. ^ Dallam, Stephanie J. (2001). "Crisis or Creation: A Systematic Examination of 'False Memory Syndrome'". Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Vol 9; No. 3/4, pp. 9-36. Haworth Press. 
  6. ^ Widom, Cathy Spatz; Morris, Suzanne (March 1997). "Accuracy of Adult Recollections of Childhood Victimization: Part 2. Childhood Sexual Abuse.". Psychological Assessment 9 (1): 34-46. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. ISSN 1040-3590. EJ545434. 
  7. ^ a b Sheflin, Alan W; Brown, Daniel (1996). "Repressed Memory or Dissociative Amnesia: What the Science Says.". Journal of Psychiatry & Law 24 (Summer): 143-88. ISSN 0093-1853. 
  8. ^ a b Widom, Cathy Spatz; Shepard, Robin L. (December 1996). "Accuracy of adult recollections of childhood victimization : Part 1. Childhood physical abuse". Psychological Assessment 8 (4): 412-21. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. ISSN 1040-3590. EJ542113. 
  9. ^ a b Hopper, Jim. Recovered Memories of Sexual Abuse Scientific Research & Scholarly Resources. Retrieved on 2007-12-15.
  10. ^ a b Recovered Memory Project. Taubman Center for Public Policy & American Institutions at Brown University. Retrieved on 2007-12-15.
  11. ^ Widom, Cathy Spatz; Morris, Suzanne (March 1997). "Accuracy of Adult Recollections of Childhood Victimization: Part 2. Childhood Sexual Abuse.". Psychological Assessment 9 (1): 34–46. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association. doi:10.1037/1040-3590.9.1.34. ISSN 1040-3590. EJ545434. 
  12. ^ a b Whitfield M.D., Charles L. (1995). Memory and Abuse - Remembering and Healing the Effects of Trauma. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc, 313. ISBN 1558743200. 
  13. ^ Australian Health Services Commissioner (2005). Inquiry into the practice of recovered memory therapy (pdf). Office of the Health Services Commissioner. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  14. ^ Lambert, K; Lilienfeld SO (2007-10-01). Brain Stains. Scientific American. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
  15. ^ Executive Council, International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (2007-11-30), Letter to Scientific American, Inc. Editor and Chief, <http://www.isst-d.org/education/sciamerican-ltr.pdf>. Retrieved on 8 January 2008 
  16. ^ Summit, R. (1983). "The child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome.". Child Abuse & Neglect 7: 177–193. doi:10.1016/0145-2134(83)90070-4. 
  17. ^ a b Chu, J; Frey L, Ganzel B, Matthews J (May 1999). "Memories of childhood abuse: dissociation, amnesia, and corroboration.". American Journal of Psychiatry 156 (5): 749–55. PMID 10327909. 
  18. ^ Brandon, S.; Boakes, J.; Glaser, D.; Green, R.; MacKeith, J.; Whewell, P. (1997). "Reported recovered memories of child sexual abuse: Recommendations for good practice and implications for training, continuing professional development and research". Psychiatric Bulletin 21: 663–665. 
  19. ^ a b (2004-01-27) Disputed memories, 2004/02 (in English), The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands. ISBN 905545123. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  20. ^ Australian Hypnotherapists Association Code of Ethics: Guidelines for AHA Members working with clients in contexts in which issues related to false memories of childhood sexual abuse may arise (pdf). Australian Hypnotherapists Association. Retrieved on 2008-05-16.
  21. ^ Ogloff, JRP (1996). GUIDELINES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS ADDRESSING RECOVERED MEMORIES (pdf), Canadian Psychological Association. ISBN 1-896538-38-X. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 
  22. ^ Lilienfeld, SO (2007). "Psychological Treatments That Cause Harm". Perspectives on Psychological Science 2 (1): 53–70. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6916.2007.00029.x. 
  23. ^ Ofshe, Richard; Ethan Watters (1994). Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy, and Sexual Hysteria. Charles Scribner's, PAGE NUMBERS NEEDED FOR REFERENCE. ISBN 0684196980. 
  24. ^ Loftus, E; Davis D (2006). "Recovered Memories". Annual Review of Clinical Psychology 2: 469–98. doi:10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.2.022305.095315. 
  25. ^ Crook, L (1999). "Lost in a Shopping Mall--A Breach of Professional Ethics.". Ethics & Behavior. 9 (1): 39–50. doi:10.1207/s15327019eb0901_3. article text
  26. ^ Legislative Assembly, 22 November 1995, Full Day Hansard Transcript, Hansard
  27. ^ ACA Newsletter Spring 2004 Draft position statement on RMT page 109
  28. ^ Ground Lost: The False Memory/Recovered Memory Therapy Debate, by Alan Scheflin, Psychiatric Times 11/99, Vol. XVI Issue 11
  29. ^ Martin Gardner (January 2006). "The Memory Wars, Part 1". Skeptical Inquirer Magazine 30(1). 
  30. ^ Martin Gardner (March 2006). "The Memory Wars, Parts 2 and 3". Skeptical Inquirer Magazine 30(2). 
  31. ^ Gustafson, Paul. Jury awards patient $2.6 million: Verdict finds therapist Humenansky liable in repressed memory trial. Minneapolis St. Paul Tribune, August 1, 1995.
  32. ^ Pam Belluck. "Memory Therapy Leads to a Lawsuit and Big Settlement", The New York Times, November 6, 1997. 
  33. ^ Guthrey, M. and Kaplan, T., 2nd Patient Wins Against Psychiatrist: Accusation of planting memories brings multi-million dollar verdict. St. Paul Pioneer Press, Jan. 25, 1996, 4B.

[edit] Further reading

  • Freyd, Jennifer J. (1996). Betrayal Trauma - The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-06805-x. 
  • Ofshe, Richard and Watters, Ethan. "Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy, And Sexual Hysteria". University of California Press; Reprint edition, 1996.
  • Loftus, Elizabeth and Ketcham, Katherine. "The Myth of Repressed Memory: False Memories and Allegations of Sexual Abuse". St. Martin's Griffin, 1st St. Martin's Griffin ed edition, 1996.
  • Lilienfeld, Scott. "Psychological treatments that cause harm." Perspectives on Psychological Science, Volume 2(1), pp. 53-70, 2007.
  • Knopp, Fay Honey (1996). A Primer on the Complexities of Traumatic Memory of Childhood Sexual Abuse - A Psychobiological Approach. Brandon, VT: Safer Society Press. ISBN 1-884444-20-2. 
  • Pope, Kenneth S. (1996). "Memory, Abuse, & Science: Questioning Claims about the False Memory Syndrome Epidemic". American Psychologist 51 (9): 957–974. 

[edit] External links