false-memory syndrome

Syndrome occurring in some patients undergoing psychotherapy or hypnosis, in which the individual ‘remembers’ events that never happened. For example, the patient may recall having been sexually abused as a child. As it is very difficult to establish whether memories are genuine the syndrome is surrounded by controversy.

Proponents of the syndrome believe some therapists may unconsciously implant false memories by their techniques. Psychologists have demonstrated that this is surprisingly easy to do. Painful memories may be blotted out, however, and psychotherapists are concerned that genuine memories may be dismissed as false.