Memory Distrust Syndrome is a condition loosely termed by Gísli Guðjónsson and James MacKeith in 1982, in which an individual doubts the accuracy of their Memory concerning the content and context of events of which they have experienced. Since the individual does not trust their own memory, they will commonly depend on outside sources of information rather then using their ability for recollection. Some believe that this may be a defense or coping mechanism to a preexisting faulty memory state such as Alzheimer's disease, Amnesia, or possibly Dementia.
It is generally considered to be related to Source amnesia, which involves the inability to recall the basis for factual knowledge. The main difference between the two is that source amnesia is lack of knowing the basis of knowledge, whereas memory distrust syndrome is a lack of believing the knowledge that exists. The fact that an individual lacks the trust in their own memory implies that the individual would have a reason or belief that would prevent them from the trust that most of us have in our recollections. Cases concerning memory distrust syndrome have led to documented false confessions in court cases.
Read more about Memory Distrust Syndrome: Squire Subjective Memory Questionnaire, Cognitive Failures Questionnaire, Gudjonsson Compliance Scale, Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale
Famous quotes containing the words memory, distrust and/or syndrome:
“Strange that the mind will forget so much of what only this moment has passed, and yet hold clear and bright the memory of what happened years ago with men and women long since dead.”
—Philip Dunne (1908–1992)
“I stand for the heart. To the dogs with the head! I had rather be a fool with a heart, than Jupiter Olympus with his head. The reason the mass of men fear God, and at bottom dislike Him, is because they rather distrust His heart, and fancy Him all brain like a watch.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“Women are taught that their main goal in life is to serve others—first men, and later, children. This prescription leads to enormous problems, for it is supposed to be carried out as if women did not have needs of their own, as if one could serve others without simultaneously attending to one’s own interests and desires. Carried to its “perfection,” it produces the martyr syndrome or the smothering wife and mother.”
—Jean Baker Miller (20th century)