11. Dissociation, DID, Depersonalization, & Derealization

what is dissociation used for (as a defense mechanism)?

to help protect the emotional self from traumatic events

how can dissociation protect someone during trauma?

it lets the mind forget or detach from painful memories

when can dissociation happen?

during or after traumatic events

with repeated use of dissociation, it becomes ____ to do

easier

what parts of life can dissociative disorders disrupt?

• consciousness

• memory

• identity

• environmental perception

• relationships

• daily functioning

what is dissociative amnesia?

inability to remember important personal information

• usually related to traumatic or stressful

what is a fugue experience?

• sudden move to a new location with no memory of past events

• often assumes new identity

what is dissociative identity disorder?

presence of two or more distinct identities/personality states

in dissociative identity disorder, who controls behavior?

different identities repeatedly take control of behavior

• related to trauma

how can dissociative identity disorder affect cognition?

it creates memory gaps

• inability to recall important personal information

what is depersonalization?

persistent feeling of being detached from your mental processes or body

what is derealization?

sensation of being in dream-like state

• environment seems foggy or unreal

are clients with depersonalization/derealization psychotic?

no, they are not out of touch with reality

what is the main therapy focus for dissociative disorders?

• reassociation (putting consciousness back together)

• address trauma-based symptoms