On the true-false memory syndrome : The problem of clinical evidence

A patient in twice-a-week psychoanalytic psychotherapy began to recover childhood memories of chronic sexual abuse, including oral, anal and genital penetration. These memories sometimes included bizarre content that created skepticism regarding their authenticity. However, this dubious quality was in marked contrast to the internal consistency, continuity, and emotional authenticity of the psychotherapeutic process. Criteria for attempting to distinguish between fantasy and reality are noted. Despite their tenuous nature, these criteria are important because, most frequently, they will be the only data available within the clinical situation.