Dissociative Disorders are a series of disorders that involve the breakdown in communication between memory, perception, identity and behaviour in an individual.
Dissociation can be defined as a way that the mind copes with too much stress, or a traumatic experience. This can lead to an individual dissociating from the world.
There are three different types of Dissociative Disorders – each with their own characteristics, as discussed in this article.
What are Dissociative Disorders?
Dissociative Disorders: Dissociative Disorders are conditions characterised by problems with memory, perception, identity, behaviour and awareness. There are both physical and psychological symptoms due to the disorders. These conditions can be either short-lived or long-lasting. Regardless of duration, these disorders can cause significant distress and impair the lives of those with the condition in many ways. With the right treatment and support, full recovery is possible.
What are the different types of Dissociative Disorders?
Dissociative Identity Disorder (Also Known as Multiple Personality Disorder): Dissociative Identity Disorder is characterised by an individual being uncertain about their identity. They will often exhibit other identities – which may have their own name, behaviours and personal history. Gaps in memory will often exist, often as a result of a traumatic event.
Dissociative Amnesia: Dissociative Amnesia involves an individual having gaps in their memory – often leading to them forgetting information about themselves, or a skill that they have learned. It is possible for someone to be somewhere without knowing how or why they got there. This is the most common dissociative disorder, and is often caused by a traumatic event.
Depersonalisation Disorder (Also known as Derealisation Disorder): Depersonalisation Disorder is the condition where an individual will undergo a period of detachment from either themselves, or their surrounding. The individual may lose sensation of what is happening around them, sometimes believing things around them aren’t real. They may feel they are outside their own body.
Summary
It should be pointed out that knowing the exact type of Dissociative Disorder that is present isn’t essential. However, this knowledge can ensure that appropriate treatment is provided.
The three different types of Dissociative Disorders all have some similarities, and are characterised by dissociation. But there are subtle differences between the three disorders.
See Also
- Dissociative Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
- What Are The Different Types of Dissociative Disorders?
- What Are The Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders?
- What Are The Causes of Dissociative Disorders?
- How Are Dissociative Disorders Diagnosed?
- How Can Dissociative Disorders Be Treated?
- What is the Prognosis for Dissociative Disorders?
- 10 Tips for Living With Dissociative Disorders
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