Memory Research: Repressed Memory
Having seen the subject of 'repressed memory'/dissociative amnesia in media, I wanted to research how realistic it is, and if it is realistic: what causes and treatments exist.
I learnt that the existence of repressed memories is a controversial topic. But by those that recognise it as a real condition categorise it as a dissociative disorder characterised by retrospectively reported gaps in one's memory, involving an inability for one to remember personal information –normally related to trauma or stress. There is no structural brain damage, it is a non-organic cause of retrograde amnesia, normally autobiographical memory.
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The concept of repressed memory goes back to the late 1800's from Sigmund Freud, but there are no accounts matching it's symptoms before then. Some explanations for its causes are:
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Dissociation, detaching from the situation. Blurring, altering or blocking the memory of the event. (Believed to be common with children, and that they’ll get the memories back when they’re older and their minds can handle the distress and trauma better)
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Denial, denying that an event may not let it register consciously.
Sources: Wikipedia on Repressed Memory, Healthline on Repressed Memory Controversy, Harvard Magazine on Repressed Memory
There is no way to get strong evidence for dissociative amnesia through ethical practice, due to the fact it is purely psychological and would require causing traumatic events in any high-quality study. There have been many studies already, but there has been little consensus on what memory deficits are specific to it, as there is a great deal of variability in memory impairment in cases of repressed memory. An additional problem is that memory in itself is significantly subject to biases and should not always be taken as concrete truth.
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Even among those who agree it is a real condition do not agree on when it is appropriate to diagnose someone with it, as what may appear to be dissociative amnesia may actually be due to neurological damage that can't be found: distinguishing whether this is the case or not is extremely difficult and leads to significant debate.
Sources: Same as previous sub-heading
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The Controversy
Recovered Memory Therapy
Otherwise known as RMT, this technique is scientifically discredited and highly controversial. Although I continued to research it incase it could still be a valid source of inspiration. It utilises:
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Psychoanalysis
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Hypnosis
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Journaling
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Past life regression
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Guided imagery
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Finally, interviews under sodium amytal.
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Contrary to evidence, RMT is based on claims that traumatic memories can be buried in the subconscious mind and affect personality, and be recovered through RMT. Professional mental health associations do not recommend attempting this technique, as it has been known to create false memories due to the process of 'coaching' people through trying to recall memories and (potentially unintentionally) making suggestions of what happened. The few cases of memories (traumatic or not) being recovered that do exist, were not through methods of RMT.
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The Case of Jane Doe
I found an article by The Guardian about Nicole Kluemper, who previously had only been known by the alias 'Jane Doe'.
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She claimed to have been abused by her mother when she was 4-6 years old, but as life got more stressful; she completely forgot this by the time she was 16. A doctor –David Corwin– had filmed what she said when she was younger, and once she rewatched these videos: the memories of what happened flooded back.
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Corwin published a paper on this case that caused significant controversy over repressed memories.
Above: Nicole Kluemper
Professor Elizabeth Loftus is one of the people who do not believe there is any scientific evidence for the condition. In the past she had researched the possibility of people recalling memories if they were told they happened; if people were told they got 'lost in a mall' as a child, many would suddenly have memories of it. One of Loftus' key discoveries was proving that people recall events differently based on how they are questioned.
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As Nicole got older and her life changed, she became less sure of her memories, stating “There are days when I think I was molested by my biological mother and there are days I am fairly convinced it didn’t happen. It is a very difficult way to live. More days, I am convinced it is true... It feels like someone just took an eraser, sort of, and smudged my life.”