Dissociative Disorders

In this blog, we are exploring dissociative disorders.

We will look at what they are, the symptoms, the types, the diagnosis, and treatments available, and how you can support a loved one with a dissociative disorder.

Please note that some of the content discussed in this blog may be triggering.

What is Dissociation?

Dissociation is a common feeling that we will all experience. Dissociation may make someone feel as though they are disconnected from themselves and the world around them.

It is believed that dissociation is the way our mind copes with stress and trauma and can last anywhere between hours, days and even weeks or months.

Common examples of dissociation include the feeling of becoming absorbed in something and losing awareness of what is happening, driving in your car and forgetting how you got from A to B and even just “spacing out”.

What are dissociative disorders?

Dissociative disorders are described as “a range of conditions that can cause physical and psychological problems” by the NHS.

According to Rethink Mental Illness, dissociative disorders are: “A mental illness that affects the way you think. You may have the symptoms of dissociation, without having a dissociative disorder. You may have the symptoms of dissociation as part of another mental illness.”

Dissociative disorders differ from illnesses such as schizophrenia, despite having overlapping symptoms. The main difference is that people suffering from dissociative disorder struggle with their memories, thoughts, and identity rather than feelings and behaviours.

Types of Dissociative Disorders

Although there are many different types of dissociative disorders, there are three main types:

Depersonalisation-derealisation disorder

This disorder focuses on the idea that a person may feel or think from a distance, e.g. they have the feeling of watching themselves from the outside. When suffering from depersonalisation-derealisation disorder, a person will likely feel as though the world isn’t real and that those around them are ‘lifeless’. They may also feel like they are living in a dream or simulation.

Dissociative amnesia

A person with dissociative amnesia may have periods of time where can’t remember events, periods of time or information about themselves. They may even struggle to remember learned talents, or skills.

In addition to this, a person may also find themselves in a new place without knowing how they arrived there.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID)

Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder (DID) is when a person may struggle with their own identity – they might feel uncertain about who they are.

Someone with DID may also have multiple personalities or identities, known as ‘alters’. Alters tend to have different mannerisms, personalities, names, voices and even genders.

Symptoms of a dissociative disorder

Although symptoms of dissociative disorders can differ, they may include the below:

• A feeling of being separated from one’s emotions and self
• Thinking that people and the world around you are distorted and unreal
• A confused sense of identity
• Severe stress or problems in relationships, work, or other areas of your life
• An inability to cope with emotional or work-related stress
• Memory loss relating to certain events, skills, people and personal information
• Mental health problems, which can include depression or anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviours

Diagnosis and treatment of a dissociative disorder

It is thought that there are many reasons why a person may develop a dissociative disorder.

The main cause is thought to be past traumatic experiences. A person who has been subject to sexual, physical, or emotional abuse may have a dissociative disorder.

It is also believed that some people who have been through a kidnapping, war or a serious medical procedure can develop a dissociative disorder.

Dissociative disorders are thought to be a defence mechanism that helps people cope with trauma and a form of denial.

Diagnosis and treatment of a dissociative disorder

A GP should always be the first step – they can perform tests to check that the symptoms don’t relate to other issues, and then refer to a specialist if needed.

A mental health specialist will then assess the person’s symptoms.

Talking therapy is usually recommended for dissociative disorder, this can include counselling or psychotherapy. Some people may also benefit from eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), which is used to help people move past and process trauma. Finally, some people may also benefit from medication to ease the symptoms that sit alongside dissociative disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This could be antidepressants, mood stabilisers or antipsychotics.

Supporting a loved one with a dissociative disorder

Having a loved one with a dissociative disorder may be difficult, but there are a number of ways to support them.

• It’s important to be as patient as possible, a person may struggle with communication or memory due to their disorder
• Consider their triggers as dissociative disorders can bring on difficult flashbacks
• Help them find the right support by advocating for them, you can always offer support by attending their GP appointment with them or even writing up a crisis plan

A Final Word

Whilst dissociative disorders are a complex condition, with the right support and treatment a person living with a dissociative disorder can heal from past trauma and learn to live with or even reduce their symptoms.

Further Information

Thank you for reading.

For more information on supporting someone with a dissociative disorder, Mind, a mental health charity, has further advice on their website.

Other organisations that offer support to individuals can be found here, Rethink Mental Illness and The Mental Health Foundation.

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References:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/dissociation-and-dissociative-disorders/dissociative-disorders/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/dissociative-disorders/#:~:text=Dissociative%20identity%20disorder%20(DID)%20used,voices%2C%20personal%20histories%20and%20mannerisms.

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/dissociation-and-dissociative-identity-disorder-did/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dissociative-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20355215

Photo by on Adrian Swancar Unsplash.