2.1.9 Dissociative Disorder

Dissociative Disorder

Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by disconnection or disruption in an individual’s consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. These disorders often arise as a psychological response to overwhelming stress, trauma, or adverse experiences. Common types of dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, depersonalization/derealization disorder, and dissociative identity disorder. Individuals with these conditions may experience memory gaps, a sense of detachment from themselves or their surroundings, or the presence of multiple identities. Treatment for dissociative disorders typically involves psychotherapy, medication, and self-help techniques to help patients regain a sense of control and improve their ability to cope with daily life.

Prevalence/Incidence:

Dissociative disorders are more common, with a prevalence rate of up to 10% in the general population (Van Der Hart et al., 2010).

Aetiology:

Dissociative disorders are often associated with a history of trauma or abuse, particularly during childhood.

Presentation:

Dissociative disorders are characterized by disruptions in an individual’s sense of identity, memory, and consciousness, such as amnesia, depersonalization, and derealization.

Treatment:

The treatment of dissociative disorders involves psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and cognitive processing therapy.

Outcome:

The prognosis for dissociative disorders is also variable, with some individuals experiencing long-term symptom remission and functional recovery, while others may continue to experience significant impairments.

	Dissociative Disorders
Prevalence/Incidence	Up to 10%
Onset	Adulthood
Gender	More common in females
Aetiology	Associated with a history of trauma or abuse, particularly during childhood
Presentation	Disruptions in an individual’s sense of identity, memory, and consciousness
Treatment	Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and cognitive processing therapy
Outcome	Variable, with some individuals experiencing long-term symptom remission and functional recovery

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
2. Van Der Hart, O., Nijenhuis, E. R., & Steele, K. (2010). The haunted self: Structural dissociation and the treatment of chronic traumatization. WW Norton & Company.