False Remembering in PTSD and Depression

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are characterised by distortions and deficits in autobiographical memory. While substantial research has investigated memory disruptions in these disorders, less research has focused on false memory (i.e., remembering things differently to the way in which they occurred) in PTSD and depression. There are two types of false memories; spontaneous false memories, which can occur without any external pressure, and suggestion-induced false memories, which are formed by suggestive pressure. Accumulating research has focused on spontaneous false memories in PTSD and depression. This research has demonstrated that PTSD and depression are associated with increased spontaneous false remembering when the information is emotional and related to the disorder. However, to date, research has not focused on suggestion-induced false memories in these disorders. The aim of the proposed research is examine suggestion-induced false memories in PTSD and depression.