The area of treatment of adults with memories of childhood abuse has become
controversial in recent years. An analysis of the memory-recovery techniqu
es that have been described in the recanter literature and promoted in the
popular self-help press shows that they appear to disregard the moral princ
iples (respect for patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and fidel
ity) that form the moral basis of professional ethics. On the other hand, t
he treatment recommendations found among prominent authorities in psycholog
y and among the position papers of major mental health organizations are co
nsistent with these moral principles.