What Causes Dissociative Disorders?

Dissociative Disorders are a group of conditions that continue to garner intrigue and interest – such is their curiosity.

Unlike many mental health conditions, there is a generally accepted idea relating to the cause. It is believed Dissociative disorders are caused on many occasions by a traumatic experience, often in childhood.

However, other causes have been posited, and it is possible that dissociation develops by chance. We take a look at some of the possible causes involved with Dissociative Disorders.

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 some potential causes of Dissociative Disorders?

Here are some of the potential causes of dissociative disorders:

• Childhood Trauma: There is a wide body of evidence to suggest a traumatic event in childhood cause dissociative disorders [1].
  • Trauma like neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse or witnessing or experiencing a distressing event, can all cause problems. During these traumatic events, the person may dissociate themselves, doing so to allow them to cope with a traumatic event.
  • This process can impact brain development – something that is happening rapidly at the same time.
  • During a traumatic event, the brain can release chemicals which numbs the body and mind. This is known as the “fight or flight” process.
  • A risk involved with dissociation is that it can be used to cope with any stressful event that occurs.
  • Long-term abuse is a specific risk factor.
  • Not having someone to confide in can also act as a risk factor – as a traumatic event can lead someone to want to tell someone else.
• Brain Processes: Another theory, which is related to trauma, suggests a certain brain process is crucial. When an individual perceives a threat, the blood flow to the front of the brain may be reduced. The front of the brain is associated with thoughts and decisions. Instead, the back of the brain may be used more. The back of the brain is associated with instinct, and automatic actions. Due to this process, an individual may struggle to process what has happened. Different elements of the experience may be forgotten, or the communication between them will often be mixed up. This will lead to trouble recalling the event. This may lead an individual to believing that certain memories happened to different people – leading to alter ego’s developing.
• Other mental health condition: It is possible that prior to a severe episode of dissociation, that an individual may be having a very stressful period, or suffering from Depression or Panic disorder.
• Therapist-induced dissociation: Specifically in cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder, it has been suggested that therapists can actually inadvertently cause the disorder. This is because certain techniques or types of therapy, such as so-called Recovered-Memory Therapy, can lead to an individual consciously or unconsciously behaving in a certain way, which can eventually develop into multiple personalities. However, the potential of this happening is debated and controversial.
• Substance Abuse: Those that suffer from substance abuse problems could experience dissociation. However, this is normally a short-term cause.

Summary

Childhood trauma does appear to be key in causing Dissociative disorders, however it is possible other causes are responsible for the onset of an episode.

It is also possible that there is no apparent cause, sometimes episodes take place with little indication of a possible cause. Yet there is no denying certain risk factors are involved – with childhood trauma especially prevalent.

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