Memory distrust syndrome

<p>Memory distrust syndrome is a condition first described by <a href="/facts/G%C3%ADsli_Gu%C3%B0j%C3%B3nsson/nGNRhNVb">Gísli Guðjónsson</a> and James MacKeith in 1982, in which an individual doubts the accuracy of their <a href="/facts/Memory/zucwQIEX">memory</a> 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 than using their ability for recollection. Some believe that this may be a defense or coping mechanism to a preexisting faulty memory state such as <a href="/facts/Alzheimer%27s_disease/w7Ad6tdg">Alzheimer's disease</a>, <a href="/facts/Amnesia/mbHoWW9p">amnesia</a>, or possibly <a href="/facts/Dementia/T0MRDE9I">dementia</a>.
</p><p>The condition is generally considered to be related to <a href="/facts/Source_amnesia/uv8cYybv">source amnesia</a>, which involves the inability to recall the basis for factual knowledge. The main difference between the two is that source amnesia is a lack of knowing the basis of knowledge, whereas memory distrust syndrome is a lack of trust in the knowledge that exists. The latter implies an individual’s reason or belief that would prevent them from trusting their recollections. Cases concerning memory distrust syndrome have led to documented <a href="/facts/False_confessions/0IMM3TLL">false confessions</a> in court cases.
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Memory distrust syndrome