Legal Definitions - repressed-memory syndrome

Repressed-memory syndrome is a memory disorder where a person has difficulty recalling important personal information, especially related to a traumatic or highly stressful event. This inability to remember is not due to normal forgetfulness.

The idea of this syndrome was first proposed by Sigmund Freud in 1895. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes this syndrome as dissociative amnesia. However, the existence of this syndrome is controversial.

Some studies suggest that "repressed" memories may be a result of suggestions made by mental health therapists rather than actual experiences. It is possible for some people to recover some or all of the memory of the traumatic or stressful event later on.

For example, a person who was sexually abused as a child may not remember the abuse until they are an adult. This is because their brain has repressed the memory to protect them from the trauma. However, with therapy, they may be able to recover the memory.

Another example is a person who witnessed a violent crime but cannot remember the details of the event. This could be a result of repressed-memory syndrome.

Overall, repressed-memory syndrome is a controversial topic in the field of psychology, and more research is needed to fully understand it.