Mental health problems in which a loss of connection between memories, feelings, surroundings, behavior, thoughts, and identity occur are called dissociative disorders. Therefore, these conditions cause escape from reality in unwanted and unhealthy ways. Usually, dissociative disorders interact with daily routines.
Generally, these disorders appear as a reaction to painful, shocking, or distressing life events that help eliminate these unpleasant memories. The symptoms usually occur differently among people because it depends on the dissociative disorder types and the severity of the condition and can range between memory loss and disconnected identities. Moreover, the symptoms may temporarily worsen with stress.
Physicians commonly recommend medicines and talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) for people with dissociative disorders. While treating dissociative disorders can be difficult, most people learn ways to cope with the symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Symptoms
Check below for some symptoms that people with dissociative disorders usually experience:
- Memory loss (also known as amnesia)
- Other mental health problems (such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors)
- Inability to overcome emotional and work-related stress
- Severe stress
- Relationship problems
- Thoughts that things and people around you are not real
- A blurred sense of your own identity
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are three major dissociative disorders. These include Depersonalization/derealization disorder, dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder.
Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder
This condition causes feelings of separation from yourself and sometimes that you are outside of yourself. Some people may feel like they see their thoughts, actions, and feelings from a distance, such as when watching a movie.
The symptoms caused by this type of dissociative disorder may be very distressing and last from hours to months. Without treatment, the symptoms may last up to several years.
Dissociative Amnesia
The primary symptom of this condition is memory loss, and it is more severe than forgetfulness. It commonly occurs suddenly and makes you unable to remember information about yourself, events, and other people. Generally, dissociative amnesia bouts last between a few minutes to hours, but in rare cases, it may last from months to years.
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Previously, this condition was called multiple personality disorder. It causes a feeling like you have two or more people living and talking inside your head. Some people may feel that they are possessed by other identities.
In addition, it is believed that each identity has its own name, history, and features. These include differences in voice, gender, mannerisms, and sometimes even physical qualities (including the need for eyeglasses). In most cases, dissociative identity disorder causes bouts of amnesia, including frequent episodes of confused wandering.
In rare cases, people with dissociative disorders experience severe symptoms in a crisis with severe or impulsive behavior. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment at a hospital or emergency department.
If you or a loved one experiences suicidal thoughts or behaviors, immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S.
Causes
These mental disorders usually begin as a way to overcome distressing, painful, or shocking events. In most cases, dissociative disorders negatively affect children who experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse for long periods. Furthermore, stress caused by war or a natural disaster may also cause these conditions.
In other words, these mental disorders occur when you are experiencing some events that are too difficult to handle. Therefore, feelings that you are stepping outside of yourself as the unpleasant events look like it happen to another person occur. However, these feelings may help people cope with shocking, stressful, and painful events.
Risk Factors
Children who have gone through sexual, physical, or emotional abuse for long periods are at higher risk of developing dissociative disorders. Check below for some events that also significantly increase the risk of dissociative disorders:
- War
- A natural disaster
- Kidnapping
- Torture
- Early-life medical procedures for long periods
What Are The Possible Complications of Dissociative Disorders?
People with these mental disorders may experience some complications, especially without treatment. These include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep disorders (such as insomnia, sleepwalking, nightmares, and others)
- Physical symptoms including lightheadedness, seizures that are not caused by epilepsy, and others
- Eating disorders (such as anorexia)
- Misuse of alcoholic drinks and illegal drugs
- Sexual dysfunction
- Personality disorders
- Serious problems with relationships and at school or work
- Self-harm behavior
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
How to Prevent Dissociative Disorders?
Usually, dissociative disorders and other mental conditions appear during childhood. They are caused by prolonged abuse (including physical, emotional, or sexual). You should seek help if stress or other personal problems negatively affect the way to treat your child. Check below for some examples:
- Discuss it with a trusted person (such as a friend or healthcare provider)
- Seek help from parenting support groups and family therapists
- Look for churches
It is advised to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or your child is abused.
Diagnosis
In most cases, physicians diagnose this condition by performing an evaluation of your medical and family history and asking some questions about your feelings, thoughts, and symptoms. However, they may also perform some tests to confirm the condition. Moreover, the following examinations may help rule out other mental disorders that cause similar symptoms. For example:
- Physical examination – This procedure is done to check for abnormalities linked with dissociative disorders. These include memory loss, head injuries, brain conditions, insomnia (sleep disturbances), misuse of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages, and others.
- Mental health examination – During this examination, mental health professionals will ask you questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. They may also ask your permission to talk with your family members and friends.
Treatment
The treatment for people with dissociative disorders usually involves medications and psychotherapy. However, doctors may recommend additional medicines depending on your situation.
Talk Therapy
Generally, this is the primary treatment for people with these disorders. It involves discussions about your condition and work that helps you understand the cause and learn new ways to cope with the symptoms. The treatment goal is to lessen the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Medicines
In general, there are no medicines used specifically for people with dissociative disorders. However, physicians may prescribe some medicines to treat complications of these mental disorders. For example, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common dissociative disorders?
The major dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, depersonalization/derealization disorder, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). The most commonly diagnosed dissociative disorder is dissociative amnesia.
What are the primary symptoms of dissociative disorders?
These include:
- Feeling that you are disconnected from yourself
- Multiple identities or personalities
- Memory loss (also called amnesia)
However, people with these mental disorders may experience other symptoms. Examples include:
- Self-harm behaviors
- Emotional numbness
- Flashbacks
- Brain fog
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
If any of the previous symptoms occur, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
What are the complications of dissociative disorder?
- Identity confusion
- Insomnia (sleeping problems) or even lack of sleep
- Depression
- PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
- Sexual function disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Eating disorders
- Personality changes
- Seizures
This article does not contain a full list of dissociative disorder complications. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
