Memory creation and the treatment of psychiatric disorders

False-memory syndrome describes the 'recovery' of memories of traumatic events which did not take place. 'Recovered' memories are created as a result of suggestion or other psychological maneuvers. This means that memories can be implanted. The author suggests that the possibility of use of implantation of 'good' memories for the treatment of certain psychiatric disorders should be explored and that implantation of 'good' memories may be called 'positive memory creation therapy'. The author also suggests that memory creation treatment should be used under strict ethical and legal control. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.