Recent, Remote, and Long-term memory Tasks - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #79

            During the course of a Mental Status Examination, it is standard procedure to measure an individual’s memory.  These processes are easily measured with a variety of objective techniques that yield easily reported upon observational data.  For example, to measure long-term or remote memory the doctor typically asks the patient to recall such verifiable personal information as their Social Security number and/or their California driver's license number.  When the doctor has not described their observations of the patient’s long-term or remote memories when taking the doctor’s testimony during a trial or deposition you should ask the doctor; “Doctor, will you please tell me where in your report of your Mental Status Examination you provided your measurements of the patient’s performance on relatively standard examining techniques in the areas of remote, and long-term memory?”