Dissociative Amnesia

what is Dissociative Amnesia?

sudden inability to recall important/personal information of a traumatic or stressful nature

what are the types of dissociative amnesia?

localized

selective

generalized

localized amnesia:

unable to remember from a specific period (short amount of time)

selective amnesia:

only certain parts of an event

generalized amnesia:

unable to recall all or most of personal history

what is dissociative fague?

confusion about personal identity or an assumption of a completely new identity

what will the patient do if they have dissociative fugue?

• travel from home

• assume a different identity

• unable to recall past

nursing care for someone who has dissociative amnesia:

• recall events associated with stressful situations

• don’t overwhelm with questions

• help identify stressors as memory returns

• calm quiet environment

• give info slowly

treatment for dissociative amnesia:

• psychotherapy

• CBT

• supportive therapy

• treat related anx and depression

• explore stressful events gradually an safely

what is the main goal for dissociative amnesia?

restore memory, improve coping and daily functioning.