Dissociative syndromes

Question 1

Dissociative identity syndrome, criteria A

Answer 1

A. Disruption of identity characterized by two or more distinct personality states, (which may be described in some cultures as an experience of possession.)

The disruption in identity involves marked discontinuity in sense of self and sense of agency, accompanied by related alterations in affect, behavior, consciousness, memory, perception, cognition, and/or sensory-motor functioning. These signs and symptoms may be observed by others or reported by the individual.

Question 2

Dissociative identity syndrome, criteria B

Answer 2

B. Recurrent gaps in the recall of everyday events, important personal information, and/or traumatic events that are inconsistent with ordinary forgetting.

Question 3

Dissociative amnesia, criteria A + note

Answer 3

A. An inability to recall important autobiographical information, usually of a traumatic or stressful nature, that is inconsistent with ordinary forgetting.

Note: Dissociative amnesia most often consists of localized or selective amnesia for a specific event or events; or generalized amnesia for identity and life history.

Question 4

Depersonalization/derealization, criteria A

Answer 4

A. The presence of persistent or recurrent experiences of depersonalization, derealization, or both:

1. Depersonalization: Experiences of unreality, detachment, or being an outside observer with respect to one’s thoughts, feelings, sensations, body, or actions

• (e.g., perceptual alterations, distorted sense of time, unreal or absent self, emotional and/or physical numbing).

2. Derealization: Experiences of unreality or detachment with respect to surroundings

• (e.g., individuals or objects are experienced as unreal, dreamlike, foggy, lifeless, or visually distorted).