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Psychiatric testimony in "cult" litigation
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1987
Summary
"Brainwashing" claims in voluntary groups are problematic. The study argues that psychological captivity in voluntary cults differs fundamentally from involuntary POW situations, questioning the use of atypical dissociative disorder diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- "Brainwashing" and "coercive persuasion" are terms historically linked to involuntary situations like POWs and hostages.
- Recent civil lawsuits increasingly use "atypical dissociative disorder" to describe effects of voluntary group affiliation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the application of "atypical dissociative disorder" diagnoses in civil lawsuits concerning voluntary group involvement.
- To critically evaluate the comparison between psychological effects of voluntary group participation and involuntary captivity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of "brainwashing" and "coercive persuasion" cases.
- Analysis of legal case trends involving "atypical dissociative disorder" and voluntary groups since DSM-III publication.
Main Results:
- The term "atypical dissociative disorder" is frequently used in lawsuits by individuals claiming harm from voluntarily joined groups.
- Plaintiffs allege psychological captivity effects comparable to involuntary scenarios like kidnapping.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary and involuntary activities involve fundamentally different psychological dynamics.
- The diagnostic application of "atypical dissociative disorder" in voluntary group contexts is considered problematic and requires careful consideration.