What Are The Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative Disorders have the potential to cause significant distress in the life of an individual. While there are three different types of Dissociative Disorders, many symptoms are similar.

However, there are some key differences – enabling the different conditions to be separated. Moreover, each dissociative disorder can be experienced in different ways by each individual.  

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.

Symptoms

In general, someone who dissociates will see a disconnection and breakdown between their thoughts, memories, behaviour, feelings and identity.

Dissociation can cause an individual to forget who they are, or the reason why they have travelled somewhere.

Different combinations of symptoms apply to the different types of dissociative disorders. Here, we take a look at some key symptoms in the three types of dissociative disorders.

Dissociative Identity Disorder

Someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder would typically exhibit the below:

• The existence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. This leads to changes and differences such as:
  • Behaviour e.g., different handwriting styles or voices
  • Memories e.g., different past experiences
  • Thinking e.g., different beliefs
  • The individual doesn’t notice these changes
• Gaps in memory, especially in relation to past traumatic events
• Individual may refer to themselves as “we”

Dissociative Amnesia

Someone with Dissociative Amnesia would typically:

• Have occasions where they cannot remember information about themselves or events in the past
• May find themselves in a strange place without knowing why they are there or how they got there in the first place
• May forget a talent or skill that they have learned
• Amnesia episode will go beyond everyday forgetfulness.

Episodes can last minutes, hours, or even days. In some cases, episodes can last for months or even years.

Depersonalisation Disorder

Someone with Depersonalisation Disorder would typically show signs of either:

• Depersonalisation: When someone feels separated from their own bodily sensations, thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviour. The person may believe they aren’t connected to their body, and as such, may feel away from reality.
• Derealisation: The feeling or sense that what is happening around an individual isn’t real. A person may feel like they are in a dream. They will often feel alienated from those close to them.

Other symptoms of this disorder include:

• The belief that they are outside their own body and observing what is around them
• Low mood or anxiety
• Feelings of self-harm
• Low self-esteem

Summary

Across these three disorders, the symptoms will lead to several problems. The disorders all have the potential to cause significant functional impairment – and at the very least, a state of profound confusion.

The disorders can be difficult to live with. Therefore, accessing treatment very important, and can hopefully lead to recovery.

See Also

1. Dissociative Disorders: Everything You Need to Know
2. What Are The Different Types of Dissociative Disorders?
3. What Are The Symptoms of Dissociative Disorders?
4. What Are The Causes of Dissociative Disorders?
5. How Are Dissociative Disorders Diagnosed?
6. How Can Dissociative Disorders Be Treated?
7. What is the Prognosis for Dissociative Disorders?
8. 10 Tips for Living With Dissociative Disorders