Recovered memories

False memory implantation
False memory syndrome
Fallacious repressed recall
Forgotten memories
Lost therapy
Restored memory

Nature

Certain psychological therapies purport to be able to restore forgotten or repressed memories, thus empowering patients with a knowledge of their past. In some cases, there is corroborative evidence for the truth of recovered memories; in other cases, the recovered memories may be totally unexpected and unsupported. In both cases, the exposure of these memories may be shattering for patients and their families. Opponents claim that such memories are usually caused by the suggestions of the therapists themselves, and call the recollection of such memories "false memory syndrome". Some patients, unwilling to accept their recovered memories as truth, for whatever reason, accuse their therapists of manipulation. The fear of such accusations inhibits therapists from assisting patients whose repressed memories may be genuine, and who could be helped by a recovery of those memories.

Background

The idea of repressing memories was first explored by Sigmund Freud, who believed humans could remove unacceptable knowledge to the subconscious.

Incidence

In both the USA and the UK people have taken therapists to court, claiming their family lives have been destroyed by fantasies planted by unscrupulous therapists.

Claim

In 1998 the British Royal College of Psychiatrists was divided on whether there was any evidence supporting the truth of memories that can be recovered only with the encouragement of a therapist.