Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve disruptions or breakdowns of memory, awareness, identity, or perception. People with these disorders use dissociation, a defense mechanism, as a way of coping with trauma or stress. Dissociative disorders are often triggered by trauma, including severe stress or conflict, especially if experienced during early childhood. Such experiences can interfere with a person's developing sense of self by compartmentalizing traumatic memories away from normal consciousness, which can cause these segments of memory to become disconnected from the rest of the person's psyche.
There are several types of dissociative disorders, including dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder), depersonalization/derealization disorder, and others. Dissociative amnesia involves difficulty remembering important personal information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature. Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession, with ongoing gaps in memory beyond ordinary forgetting. Depersonalization/derealization disorder involves a persistent or recurring feeling of being detached from one's body or thoughts (depersonalization) or a sense of being detached from reality (derealization).
Diagnosis of dissociative disorders can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with those of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health professionals use a combination of interviews, diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and sometimes psychological testing to make a diagnosis. It's important that the evaluation is thorough to ensure that other possible conditions, such as neurological disorders, are not the cause of the symptoms.
Treatment for dissociative disorders may include psychotherapy, medication, and coping strategies. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), is considered the primary treatment and works by helping the individual integrate the dissociated parts of their identity or cope better with stress. Medications might be used to treat concurrent symptoms like depression or anxiety but are not a standalone treatment for dissociative disorders. Support groups and creative therapies like art therapy or movement therapy can also be beneficial. With appropriate treatment, many people with dissociative disorders can lead healthy, productive lives. Understanding and support from family and friends are crucial, as social isolation can worsen symptoms.
DissociativeAmnesia DissociativeIdentityDisorder Depersonalization Derealization DSM-5