False Memory

A recollection of an event that never happened, or a very heavily distorted recollection of an event that did occur.

During the 1980s and 1990s, false memories were created in many adults through the use of suggestive techniques like hypnosis, truth drugs, guided imagery, and so on. Most 'memories' were generated during therapeutic sessions; some during mutual support groups; still others through individual self-hypnosis. Tens of thousands of innocent parents and relatives were accused of child sexual abuse as a result of false memories. Some victims of recovered memory therapy were driven to suicide by the memories.

The therapeutic technique still continues at a low level and new victims are still being created. However, it has largely been discredited and abandoned.