9. Dissociative d/o

Question 1

Examples of dissociative d/os? (4)

Answer 1

1. Dissociative amnesia
2. Dissociative fugue
3. Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality d/o)
4. Depersonalization d/o

Question 2

What is dissociative amnesia?

Answer 2

• at least 1 episode of inability to recall important personal information, usually involving a traumatic or stressful event
• note: Pts are usually aware they are having difficulty remembering, but are not very troubled by it

Question 3

What is the most common dissociative d/o?

Answer 3

Dissociative amnesia

Question 4

Course and prognosis of dissociative amnesia?

Answer 4

Most abruptly return to normal after min to days. Recurrences are uncommon

Question 5

Tx of dissociative amnesia?

Answer 5

• Should help pts retrieve their lost memories
• hypnosis or administration of sodium amobarbital/lorazepam during interview helps pts talk more freely during interview

Question 6

What is dissociative fugue?

Answer 6

• Sudden, unexpected travel away from home/work
• inability to recall one’s identity/past
• they are unaware of their amnesia and new identity, and never recall the period of the fugue

Question 7

What are some predisposing factors for dissociative fugue? (4)

Answer 7

• heavy use of alcohol
• major depression
• hx of head trauma
• epilepsy

Question 8

Dissociative fugue is often associated with–?

Answer 8

stressful life event

Question 9

Epidemiology (M vs. F) of dissociative identity disorder?

Answer 9

women account for 90% of pts

Question 10

What is the avg age of onset of dissociative identity disorder?

Answer 10

avg age of onset = 6 yo (avg age of diagnosis is 30 however)

Question 11

Which dissociative d/o has the worst prognosis?

Answer 11

Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality d/o)