Dissociative disorders represent a complex group of mental conditions that involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity, or perception. People suffering from dissociative disorders use dissociation as a defense mechanism, pathologically and involuntarily. Dissociation is often seen as a coping strategy to help a person separate themselves from a traumatic experience or emotions that are overwhelming. The range of dissociative disorders includes DissociativeIdentityDisorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), DissociativeAmnesia, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, and others not as commonly known, each presenting unique symptoms but rooted in underlying dissociation phenomena.
The cause of dissociative disorders is usually a traumatic experience, especially during early childhood. Such experiences often involve instances of intense conflict, repetitive physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The dissociative aspect serves as a survival strategy during these times, allowing the person to distance themselves from the trauma as if it’s not happening to them, or by "forgetting" the trauma temporarily. Genetic factors and a person's ability to handle stress may also play roles in the development of these disorders. Interestingly, individuals with these disorders might not be aware of their condition for years, which often leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosing dissociative disorders can be challenging. It often requires detailed interviews, psychological testing, and a comprehensive evaluation of a person's history. Symptoms can overlap with those of other mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complicating the diagnostic process. Key indicators include gaps in memory concerning everyday events or personal information, a sense of being detached from oneself (Depersonalization), and a perception that the world around them is unreal (Derealization).
Treatment for dissociative disorders generally involves psychotherapy, with the aim of integrating the separate identities or fragments of memory in Dissociative Identity Disorder, or revisiting and reprocessing the painful memories in a controlled, safe environment for those with Dissociative Amnesia. Medications may be used to treat the concurrent symptoms like depression and anxiety but are not a primary treatment for the dissociative symptoms themselves. Supportive care, including education about the disorder, and developing coping strategies to deal with the dissociative symptoms, also plays a crucial role in recovery.