Legal Definitions - false-memory syndrome

False-memory syndrome is a condition where a person believes that they remember a traumatic or stressful event that did not actually happen. This often occurs during therapy sessions with a mental health professional.

One common example of false-memory syndrome is when adult children claim to have repressed memories of prolonged and repeated child sexual abuse by their parents. However, there is no independent evidence to support these claims.

Another example could be a person who believes they witnessed a crime or accident, but their memory is actually influenced by suggestions or leading questions from others.

These examples illustrate how false-memory syndrome can lead to inaccurate and false memories, which can have serious consequences for individuals and their families.