False Memory Syndrome Essay

False memory syndrome (FMS), also known as pseudomemories or illusionary memories, is defined as memories of traumatic experiences which are false, but the person determinedly believes to be true. These memories of traumatic experiences usually are associated with childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and even in rare cases satanic ritual abuse (SRA). False memory syndrome cases involving childhood sexual abuse are most commonly related to women and children. Also related with false memory syndrome is recovered memories, which is defined as the remembrance of childhood sexual abuse of which a person had no previous awareness of before. These recovered memories often take control over a person’s personality and change their behaviors and lifestyle. It is often difficult for people with false memory syndrome to see the possibility that their recovered memories may be incorrect. False memory

What has attracted the most controversy and attention in false memory syndrome is that memories can be recovered during therapy. According to Raitt and Zeedyk (2003), “This is because there are concerns that poor therapeutic practice may ‘‘implant’’ false memories, rather than assist in the ‘‘recovery’’ of accurate ones” (p. 454). I found a case report in the article Is There A False Memory Syndrome? A Review of Three Cases written by Robert Kaplan and Vijaya Manicavasagar about a woman who was the age of 40 and had a history of anxiety and agoraphobia. She had been seeing a psychologist, but developed a fear of dying which was interfering with her daily life. Her anxiety had increased over the years resulting her in having panic attacks and agoraphobia. To overcome her problems she saw several counselors for hypnosis, but they did not work so she never stayed with them for long. Five years before appearance, she began seeing a psychologist who interpreted her anxiety symptoms as being due to childhood