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False memory syndrome – balancing the evidence for and against

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Stephen Critchlow
Stephen Critchlow*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Lagan Valley Hospital, Hillsborough Road, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 IJP, Northern Ireland
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Abstract

The false memory syndrome has been the subject of recent intense debate. Can false memories of child sexual abuse be engendered in the minds of susceptible individuals by well meaning therapists? This paper examines the evidence for false memories. Memory in childhood and adults is discussed, and the different processes involved in traumatic memory are emphasised. Evidence for amnesia following sexual abuse with subsequent recall is presented.

It is important to weigh carefullythe evidence both for and against the false memory syndrome. Good evidence for false memories exists, but conversely amnesia and subsequent recall of sexual abuse undoubtedly occur. The principle of primum non nocere is particularly important in guiding therapeutic endeavours.

Keywords

Sexual abuseFalse memory syndromeChildhood memoryTraumatic memory
Type
Research Article
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , June 1998 , pp. 64 - 67
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

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