Moral principles underlying the treatment of adults with memories of childhood abuse

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.