Dissociative Disorders

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to dissociative disorders, including types, symptoms, and treatments.

Dissociative Disorders

Disorders characterized by major disruptions in memory, identity, or consciousness without a clear physical cause.

Dissociative Amnesia

A disorder where individuals are unable to recall important information, usually of an upsetting nature, not caused by organic factors.

Types of Dissociative Amnesia

There are four types: localized, selective, generalized, and continuous.

Localized Dissociative Amnesia

The most common type, where a person loses all memory of events occurring within a limited period.

Selective Dissociative Amnesia

Loss of memory for some, but not all, events occurring within a defined period.

Generalized Dissociative Amnesia

Loss of memory that begins with a specific event and extends back in time; may involve loss of identity.

Continuous Dissociative Amnesia

A rare form of dissociative amnesia involving forgetting of both old and new information.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

A disorder where a person develops two or more distinct identities, each with a unique set of memories and behaviors.

Subpersonalities

Distinct personalities within a person with DID, each with unique characteristics.

Mutually Amnesic Relationships

A type of relationship between subpersonalities where they have no awareness of one another.

Mutually Cognizant Patterns

A relationship where each subpersonality is aware of the rest.

One-way Amnesic Relationships

A relationship where some subpersonalities are aware of others but awareness is not mutual.

Dissociative Fugue

An extreme form of dissociative amnesia involving forgetting one’s personal identity and possibly fleeing to a new location.

Treatment for Dissociative Amnesia

Often involves psychodynamic therapy, hypnotic therapy, and drug therapy which can help in recovering lost memories.

Treatment for DID

Generally requires professional treatment, focusing on integrating the subpersonalities and recovering lost memories.

Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder

A disorder characterized by persistent feelings of detachment from one's self (depersonalization) and/or feelings of unreality regarding the environment (derealization).

Characteristic Symptoms of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder

Persistent episodes of feeling separated from one's body or observing oneself from outside, alongside feelings of unreality regarding external surroundings.

Onset of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder

Most frequently occurs in adolescents and young adults, usually comes on suddenly and tends to be long-lasting.